Ep. 2: Ryan Callaghan

Ryan Callaghan is one of the good guys. There are a bunch of other things that can be said about First Lite’s Director of Conservation and Public Relations, hunting guide and frequent contributor to MeatEater. One of the more apt descriptions, though, is that Callaghan is real. The things he says and the things he does are one in the same. He backs up his passions with action. Callaghan is truly a conservationist because he gets involved. Whether it’s city council meetings, public land rallies, or his recent election to the National Board of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers; the Montana-native has built up a distinct voice in the world of conservation during his six years at First Lite. His opinion matters because it’s grounded in his efforts to fight for lands and wildlife. Also Cal know a whole heck of a lot about the pursuit. Callaghan joined me at the Western Hunting Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City for a great conversation on the trade show floor that explores many of the hunting toughest topics. 3:05 - Are we creepy? 6:28 – Podcast ground rules 8:18 – Ben’s upbringing 14:20 – What is the hunting industry? 18:00 – Michael Pollon’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma” 19:40 – Hunting’s generational changes 22:58 – BHA’s National Board 25:09 – Are hunters conservationists? 33:03 – Do hunters know what Pittman-Robertson is? 38:02 – Daunting new hunter challenges 42:25 – Discussing National Monuments 48:00 – The slippery slope of losing public land 53:18 – Public Land hunting in Texas or lack thereof 1:00:01 – Peas are the devil’s balls 1:06:19 – Promoting the end result and the fear of failure 1:08:20 – Generation gap in hunting 1:09:15 – Hunting with The Chive and the urban bubble 1:15:00 – Seattle’s Batman and his hunting journey 1:18:14 – More urbanites is good for hunting? 1:23:12 – Positivity in hunting 1:26:50 – Talking to your younger self about hunting 1:28:56 – Describing the scene at The Expo (Ben is finally quiet.) 1:32:20 – Where the podcast is headed Enjoy, and we’ll see you next week.   Connect with Ben and MeatEater Ben on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop The Hunting Collective Merch