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“Whether you say you can or say you can’t – you’re right.” While Henry Ford is credited with saying those words, Kalef Dile has lived them his entire life. Born without a left hand or forearm, Kalef learned at a very young age that the only limitations he has are those he allows himself to believe. After enjoying tremendous success as a youth athlete in multiple sports including football, marksmanship and jiu jitsu, Kalef discovered archery. Like many things, the act of shooting a bow is a process that at first glance appears to require two hands and two arms. Many single arm archers, including Olympians have been successful using mouth tabs attached to the bow string. While powerfully biting the tab, an archer can extend his or her single arm while holding the riser [handle] of the bow bringing the bow to full draw. When ready to release the string and propel the arrow, an archer simply releases his or her teeth from the tab. A prior jaw injury prevents Kalef from having a strong enough bite to utilize this method for shooting his bow.  An avid outdoorsman, Kalef’s attraction to archery naturally led him to pursue bowhunting. The state of New Mexico allows for certain special accommodations for hunters who can prove a disability. There is no doubt, Kalef would have been approved to use a crossbow had he made the request. Rather than claim a disability though Kalef’s attitude is one that welcomes challenges which provide him an opportunity to prove his ability instead. In September 2026 Kalef successfully harvested a mule deer buck on public land with one perfectly placed arrow shot from his vertical bow.  In this episode of the Ahí Va Podcast, Kalef tells the story of that hunt and describes all the trials and tribulations he endured leading up to it. As host of the show, Jesse Deubel was truly inspired by this young man’s journey. You will be too. Enjoy the Listen!  For more info: NMWF Website Kalef Dile Instagram

Two long-time friends reconnect on this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast. Land Tawney once worked for the National Wildlife Federation. From there he went on to be the original CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. He led that organization for a decade. During that time he met Jesse Deubel and the two of them immediately became friends. While they've been working "in the arena" together for many years, this is the first in-depth conversation the two have had in quite some time. Follow along as Land explains what  motivated him to found his new organization, American Hunters and Anglers Action Network.  The American Hunters & Anglers Action Network is a national, nonpartisan advocacy organization focused on defending public lands, waters, wildlife, and the outdoor heritage of hunters and anglers. AHA provides a nimble national platform for mobilizing sportsmen and women around urgent public-land issues and holding decision-makers accountable. NMWF and AHA work together informally when their conservation priorities align. This relationship provides NMWF with an additional avenue to amplify New Mexico conservation issues within a broader national sportsmen’s network. That informal collaboration strengthens NMWF’s ability to build coalitions, share information, mobilize public support, and elevate threats to New Mexico’s public lands and wildlife beyond the state. The relationship is particularly valuable as NMWF works to ensure that hunters and anglers remain a strong and influential constituency in the national conversation about the future of public lands. Many Ahi Va listeners are already familiar with Land Tawney and his incredible conservation impact. For those who do not know him, brace yourself for his candid and entertaining delivery. Land is an exceptional person with unrivaled passion for protecting hunting, fishing and public lands. These issues course through his veins all day, every day. That continues to fuel his insatiable appetite to make sure future generations are afforded the same kinds of opportunities he and Jesse Deubel have had on public lands across this great country. Enjoy the listen!  For more info:  American Hunters and Anglers Website American Hunters and Anglers Instagram NMWF

A little white lie ultimately led to Joe Wilson becoming a national hunting celebrity. As humble as he is, Joe would never agree to being referred to as a celebrity. Even so, hunters, anglers, chefs and backyard barbecue fanatics around the country know Joe Wilson as the man who founded the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff [WCSCO]. Held every year in Springdale, Arkansas this event attracts thousands of curious minds from all around the world. In this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast, Jesse Deubel sits down with Joe to discuss the creation story of this unique and inspiring annual gathering. Just as there is so much more to this event than cooking squirrels, there is a lot more to Joe Wilson's contributions to society than organizing the WCSCO. Jesse and Joe talk about the importance of embracing diversity while finding commonality with our neighbors. Joe provides the history of why he created the non-profit organization "Steaks 4 Sheepdogs." This, often comical conversation provides listeners with a glimpse into the interesting travels and unique culinary experiences Joe has amassed over the years. Those adventurous culinary exposures have resulted in some unique, award-winning cooking product offerings including Wilsonshire Sauce. When asked why he would make a new version of the classic, Worcestershire sauce Joe's answer came pretty easy. Worcestershire is too hard for people to pronounce.  While his custom sauce and spices win barbecue contests all over the country, Joe wins the hearts and minds of everyone he meets. He meets many of those folks when they agree to be a guest on his wildly popular podcast, "Cooking up a Story." On his show, Joe and his comedic co-hosts provide people from all walks of life an opportunity to share their stories. Those stories elicit a broad and sometimes unexpected range of reactions including laughter, tears, anger, surprise and inspiration. One thing is always evident. Joe cares about people. He cares about helping people. He cares about helping people help other people. His compassion for fellow Americans coupled with his contagious positivity and unmatched sense of humor continue to attract attention. Next year anyone who tunes in to the Outdoor Channel/Sportsman Channel will have an opportunity to get to know more about this great man by watching his newest show, "Meet Joe Wilson." Until then, I hope this episode of the Ahi Va podcast provides you with an entertaining introduction to this truly special person. Enjoy the listen!

The future of hunting depends on those who show up. Nate Serlin shows up. Just a few years after harvesting his very first deer, Nate found himself leading a collegiate chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Despite having no prior experience working in professional conservation, Nate’s leadership resulted in huge success. In addition to permanently protecting critical wetland habitat, his collegiate chapter of DU raised an impressive sum of money. T hat exposure to the world of protecting wild places and the activities he loves inspired Nate to pursue a career in hunting and fishing advocacy. In this episode of the Ahí Va podcast, Nate Serlin and Jesse Deubel discuss a variety of hunting and fishing issues. Having worked on sporting policies around the country, Nate provides an important national perspective. This conversation provides a lot of food for thought. Enjoy the listen!  For more info: Nate's Instagram WESTERN SKIES STRATEGIES NMWF Website

In his book, "The Comfort Crisis," author Michael Easter writes, "Doing physically hard things is an enormous life hack. Do hard things and the rest of life gets easier and you appreciate it all the more.” In the book, he goes into great detail as to what a Misogi challenge is and what differentiates it from the plethora of other challenges we all face on a regular basis. The first rule of a Misogi is that it has to be really, really hard. In fact, when choosing to embark on a Misogi challenge there should be at least a 50% chance that you will fail. The second rule of the Misogi is don't die. As podcast host, Jesse Deubel was scaling the side of a near-vertical cliff following the route chosen by this podcast's guest, Kenan Jackson, it was that second rule that weighed heavy on Jesse's mind. As if he could sense Jesse's concern, Kenan paused his ascent and looked back and said to Jesse, "This reminds me of skydiving."  "Why, because we should probably be wearing parachutes?" Jesse responded. Kenan laughed and explained that just as when he's jumped from airplanes the heightened adrenaline and mental awareness of being in a position where the continuation of life is not guaranteed somehow amplifies the gift that being alive is. "Like with skydiving, something could happen that's completely out of your control and that would be the end. If one of these rocks broke loose, we'd be done. They've probably been here for millions of years, but they're just teetering here, barely avoiding the gravitational pull that's yanking down on them and on us."  "Yeah. Thanks for that reassurance."  Kenan laughed. "We're almost to the top!"  It turns out that "the top" is where Kenan prefers to spend his time. Just three weeks after Jesse and Kenan negotiated those cliffs on a barbary sheep hunt, Kenan was in Houston, TX voluntarily locked in an octagonal cage to fight the highly accomplished mixed martial artist Aaron Phillips, originally from Kotzebue, Alaska.  In this episode, Jesse and Kenan talk about hunting, fighting, competing, respect and communication. They talk about the challenges life throws at us and how proactively choosing our own Misogi challenges can help us overcome those obstacles we didn't ask for. Enjoy the listen!      For more info: NMWF Website

This episode's guest, Andy Neal, is an outdoor and fashion model, filmmaker, producer, and content creator who has built a powerful presence across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads. His work has reached tens of millions of people, and he has gone viral numerous times through his nature focused storytelling, his honesty about mental health, and his signature Stupid Hike for My Stupid Mental Health series. With more than two hundred forty thousand followers on Instagram, fifty thousand on TikTok, ten thousand on YouTube, and eighty thousand on Facebook, Andy has become a trusted voice for people who want to connect with the outdoors in a real and accessible way. Andy creates content that centers on the outdoors, mental health, fitness, film, travel, photography, and public lands. His work is known for its cinematic style paired with genuine storytelling about survival, growth, and the long process of healing. His weight loss journey is a major part of that story. Andy once weighed more than four hundred pounds. Through consistency, therapy, hiking, and major changes in his relationship with food and movement, he has lost more than one hundred pounds and continues to move toward a healthier and more sustainable life. He often shares the truth behind the journey, including the mental health work, the GLP 1 chapter, and the process of learning to trust his body again. Andy uses his platform to remind people that healing is never linear but it is always possible. Huge thanks to Andy for carving some time out of his busty schedule to sit down with our host to share his story. Enjoy the Listen!  Find Andy Neal on all social media platforms: @andyfilmsandhikes

From the roughest, driest deserts, to our towering, high-alpine peaks, Senator Martin Heinrich has explored the most remote public lands in New Mexico. As an avid hunter, angler, birder and forager, New Mexico's Senior United States Senator cherishes every opportunity to spend time outdoors. Sen. Heinrich is not shy about expressing his tremendous love for the state he proudly chooses to call home. His unwavering love for New Mexico and its wild places is always on clear display as he tenaciously represents the interests of all public land lovers while he carries out critical work in Washington, D.C. Conservationists from around the country and on both sides of the political aisle have come to recognize Sen. Heinrich as "America's Conservation Champion."  In this episode, host Jesse Deubel is joined by Sen. Heinrich as well as two other hunting, fishing and conservation partners. Jeremy Vesbach and Jeremy Romero have both been on the show before. This is their first appearance together. Jeremy Vesbach is a former NM State Game Commissioner and the former executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. Currently he serves as the Western Lands Director at Western Resource Advocates. Jeremy Romero is also a former staff member of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. Currently he works as the Wildlife Connectivity Manager at the National Wildlife Federation. In conservation circles these two Jeremy's are affectionately referred to as "Jeremy Squared." All four of these professional conservationists have the fortune of sharing time in the field on occasion. After a day of glassing for elk, calling to turkeys or drifting flies down a remote stream for trout, this team of advocates relaxes around a campfire discussing issues surrounding public lands, waters and wildlife.  The conversation featured on this show provides listeners an opportunity to eavesdrop on one of these fireside-type chats. Their musings range from Capitol Hill to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and from the Gila to the Tongass National Forests. Enjoy the listen!    For more info:  NMWF Website

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance [DBA: NM Wild] is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and wilderness areas. Founded in 1997, they achieve our mission through administrative protection, federal wilderness designation, and ongoing stewardship. NM Wild has a membership of individuals from all corners of New Mexico and across the nation. Their organizing efforts span the state and involve many diverse groups, including ranchers, sportsmen, land grants, acequia communities, tribal and religious leaders, scientists, youth, and community leaders. They have a proven track record of building diverse coalitions to protect our public lands. In this episode of the show, Jesse Deubel sits down with Mark Allison who has served as NM Wild's executive director for the past 13 years. For about half of that time, Jesse and Mark have worked very closely together on many shared conservation priorities. During this conversation these two conservation leaders reflect on many of their shared successes. They also outline current threats and the need to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting our public lands and access to them. Included in that defense strategy is the public's need to continue to communicate their love and support for public lands to elected officials. This duo of conservation leaders outlines the plan for this year's "Camo at the Capitol" event. The event will take place on February 6th, 2026 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at New Mexico's State Capitol Building, The Roundhouse. All people who use and appreciate public land are invited to attend. If you're a hunter, wear your favorite camo gear to represent the hunting community and to make it known that we hunt, we vote and we matter. Regardless of what you wear, just make sure to be there. This episode will provide you with more information about that event, more information about NM Wild and a fireside-type chat between two friends who, as it turns out, have a lot in common. Enjoy the listen!     For more info:  NM Wild Website NMWF Website

For this 55th episode of the show, it seemed appropriate to bring on the man responsible for starting the Ahi Va Podcast. In February of 2021 Brandon Butler was in New Mexico hunting over-the-counter barbary sheep with NMWF's executive director Jesse Deubel. As the two men drove to and from hunting spots they intermittently listened to a variety of hunting/conservation podcasts. As the owner of Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon was no stranger to podcasting. In fact, following a successful hunt Brandon and Jesse actually recorded an episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast.If you're interested in listening to that episode it's episode #78: The Man in the Arena: Jesse Deubel. After recording the show, Brandon suggested that the New Mexico Wildlife Federation should have its own podcast and Jesse should be the host. After some reluctance, Jesse agreed and the show was born. The New Mexico Wildlife Federation owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Driftwood Outdoors team, specifically Nathan "Shags" McLeod and Brandon Butler for professionally producing the show each month. We've featured some interesting topics and spoken with some incredible people. We're happy that Brandon Butler's name is now added to that list of special guests. In this conversation Jesse and Brandon discuss a variety of conservation issues from corner crossing to chronic wasting disease and PFAS-forever chemicals. It's a great show with lots of twists and turns, a few laughs and plenty of wisdom being shared. Enjoy the Listen!   For more info:  Driftwod Outdoors YouTube Driftwod Outdoors Website Driftwod Outdoors FB Driftwod Outdoors Instagram

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is proud to announce our recently formed partnership with Legacy Ranch, a shooting range for everyone. At Legacy Ranch, their mission is to provide an exceptional experience for every customer and member while committing to quality across all aspects of their operation. Their focus remains on professionalism, safety, and innovation, ensuring that each venture enhances rather than compromises the overall experience. They strive to build a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By supporting local churches, non-profit organizations, and youth programs, they aim to give back and make a positive impact beyond the range. Legacy Ranch is more than just a shooting facility—it’s a destination where lasting memories and meaningful connections are made.  Legacy Ranch is more than just a venue. Their 500 acres of breathtaking landscapes, majestic trees, and untouched wilderness create the perfect backdrop for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation's upcoming Outdoor Festival and Skills Competition. This location will serve as an exceptional facility to host our competitions which will include sporting clays, pistol shooting, 3D archery and much more. All of this will be taking place on this serene landscape where nature’s beauty takes center stage. The date of this event is February 28th, 2026 so put it on your calendar.  On this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast Jesse Deubel sits down with Matthew Fuentes-Tanuz, one of the owners of Legacy Ranch to talk about the range, the upcoming NMWF event and a whole host of interesting and entertaining topics. We'll see you out at Legacy Ranch, but until then...enjoy the listen!  For more info: NMWF Legacy Ranch Instagram Legacy Ranch FB Legacy Ranch YouTube Legacy Ranch Website

Less than 1% of hunters in the United States will ever harvest a bighorn sheep ram. One of the guests on this episode of the Ahi Va podcast talks about the disbelief he felt when he learned that he drew a very coveted tag for a Desert Bighorn Sheep in New Mexico's Fra Cristobal Range. Garett Hayes joins the show to talk about his recent experience and share the story of the hunt and the harvest with our listeners. Accompanying Garett on that hunt and on this episode is his good friend and hunting partner TJ Montoya. Our host, Jesse Deubel sits down with Garett and TJ to talk about all things wild sheep. Included in the discussion are thoughts regarding the recovery of this iconic North American species as well as threats to its future. In addition to recalling the details of the hunt, our guests share their thoughts on public versus private land conservation, the importance of helping new hunters and taking full advantage of our youthful abilities. There are some words of special appreciation for Blackhorn Guide Services, the owners of which are friends of the show and appeared on episode 18 of the Ahi Va Podcast. This is a fun and thoughtful conversation that will be appreciated by the 99+% of hunters who have never pursued a bighorn ram as much as it will appeal to those lucky enough to be in the 1% club. Congratulations on your induction to this prestigious group Garett Hayes! To everyone else, enjoy the listen!    For more info:  NMWF Website

When Chrissy Streit met and later married an avid hunter she made it clear that she was never, ever going to hunt. As a very conscientious eater of animal protein, her opinions about hunting shifted over time. When the young couple began a family and the thought of both the origin and the content of the food they would feed their children came into play, Chrissy really began to experience a change of perspective. Now, a very accomplished hunter, gardener, forager and cook, Chrissy shares her journey with others online through her various "Forest and Farm" platforms.  In this episode, Jesse Deubel and Chrissy Streit talk about Chrissy's transition from being accepting of hunting to becoming a hunter herself. She shares heartfelt stories about the experiences she's had and how it has helped shape her view of life, death and food. From hunting grouse to elk and growing and harvesting species from rabbits to lettuce this episode covers four natural food procurement options that minimize our dependence on the local grocery market. Hunting, fishing, gardening and foraging are all covered in this entertaining and educational conversation. At the root of it all is a reminder about the importance of understanding that all living organisms on this planet are connected. The consequences of humans becoming increasingly distanced from the natural world are real. Being in nature helps our minds and our souls and the [real] food it provides feeds our bodies. Hopefully when you finish listening to this one you'll want to get outside, get your hands dirty and touch grass. Until then, enjoy the listen!   For more info: Forest and Farm FB Forest and Farm Instagram NMWF Website

Andy McLaughlin joins the show from a remote island in Alaska where he lives off the land enjoying a true subsistence lifestyle. Having grown up with grandparents who were passionate about the outdoors, Andy became interested in nature at a very young age. Spending much of his childhood on farms in the Midwest, his early connections to the land ranged from farming to hunting, fishing and foraging.  Well respected for his culinary skills and creativity in utilizing wild game in the kitchen, Jesse Deubel first met Andy on the “Hunt, Gather, Cook” Facebook page. This page was created by and is run by famed wild game chef and author Hank Shaw. After years of communicating and sharing recipes, Andy traveled to New Mexico to hunt javelina with Jesse in 2024. The two hunted an area that Hank Shaw would also visit as he did research for his newest book, “Borderlands.” “Borderlands” highlights recipes and stories from the Rio Grande to the Pacific. It’s a must have for every kitchen.  In spring of 2025 Jesse traveled to Indiana to hunt and fish with Andy on his family farm. In this casual conversation Andy and Jesse recall these experiences as they discuss the critical importance of healthy habitat for sustainable wildlife populations. They also dive into the role hunting plays in effectively managing wildlife. No topic is off limits as they delve into the challenges of climate change and the current threats to public lands. Andy is an incredible outdoorsman with a background in wildlife management. His knowledge and experience are sure to both educate and entertain. Enjoy the listen!  For more info: NMWF Website

On this very special episode of the Ahi Va Podcast listeners will have the opportunity to meet District 15; State Representative Dayan Hochman-Vigil. Having served as the Chair of the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee, Rep. Hochman-Vigil was instrumental in helping New Mexico become the very first state ever to develop a statewide Wildlife Corridors Action Plan. Now serving as the House Majority Whip, Rep. Hochman-Vigil continues to leverage her leadership and influence to advance New Mexico's conservation priorities. Joined by Judy Calman from Audubon Southwest, Rep. Hochman-Vigil and podcast host Jesse Deubel all discuss the behind the scenes action that went into passing Senate Bill 5, The Wildlife Heritage Act. Understanding the intricacies of how things work at the New Mexico State Legislature is crucial to finding success each session. Take this opportunity to hear all about it from one of our elected champions inside the Roundhouse. Huge thanks to Rep. Hochman-Vigil for all her work at the Capitol and for taking the time to talk with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Audubon Southwest about it. Enjoy the listen!   For more info: NMWF Website

New Mexico became a national leader in providing equitable opportunity to experience the outdoors when the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund was created in 2019. Now, more than five years later, the impact this program has provided to communities across New Mexico is undeniable. Listen in as Jesse Deubel speaks with Karina Armijo, the director of New Mexico's Outdoor Recreation Division. Karina Armijo has 27 years of experience supporting small businesses and events in Northern New Mexico in both the public and private sectors. After receiving a B.S. in Design from the University of Cincinnati, Karina spent time at Los Alamos National Laboratory working in the communications department. She later continued her career in the private sector providing creative and web design services for the tourism and outdoor recreation-related industries. Most recently, she spent eight years with the Town of Taos as the first Director of Marketing and Tourism, developing and managing local and regional programs to support businesses and events throughout the Enchanted Circle.  Also joining the discussion are Sarah Candelaria and Matthew Monjaras. Matthew is the founder of Impact Outdoors and is no stranger to the Ahi Va Podcast. As a regular guest of the show Matt is always eager to share the work of Impact Outdoors. Their mission is to impact communities through education, conservation, and meaningful outdoor opportunities. In this conversation Matt explains how the NM Outdoor Equity Fund has helped him and Impact Outdoors achieve this mission.  Sarah Candelaria is the founder and executive director of Nature Ninos New Mexico. Nature Niños' mission is to expand access to the outdoors, share all it has to offer, and invite youth and families who might not readily access the outdoors into a safe, and welcoming community where they build skills and grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. They provide an entry point to the outdoors for all who find themselves with any form of "nature nerves." They provide safe, and welcoming spaces to invite youth and families to make their own connections and memories with nature. Their goal is to introduce and encourage all New Mexicans, of all ages, to explore and enjoy our lands and waters safely and freely. They invest time introducing youth to their eco-identity through the visual arts, music, theater, spoken word and other mediums while encouraging their creativity and personal expression. Nature Ninos expands access to the outdoors, shares all it has to offer, and builds skills to grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. Sarah and Nature Ninos have also received support from the NM Outdoor Equity fund. Tune in to learn how those resources have helped improve the lives of young people from communities all across New Mexico. Enjoy the listen! For more info:  New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Nature Ninos New Mexico Impact Outdoors NMWF