International Order of T Roosevelt
Welcome to Hunt. Fish. Freedom., the official podcast of the International Order of T. Roosevelt. This is the show for those who live for the call of the wild, the thrill of the hunt, and the freedom of the great outdoors. Whether you're in a treestand, on the water, or around the campfire, this is your home for stories, strategy, and the spirit of adventure. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and the pursuit of a free and wild future.
12h ago
Some moments don’t announce themselves as life-changing until years later. In this short episode, Kenia looks back on an early outdoor experience that planted the seed for a lifelong passion—one rooted in patience, presence, and time spent with her dad. It’s a reflection on how the outdoors shapes us in ways we don’t fully understand until we step back and listen. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Check out a photo from the hunt: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE2UXH3OGx5/?igsh=b3BiNTliczY1aGVv Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr Follow Kenia on X: https://x.com/kenialink_?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow Kenia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenialink_?igsh=MXBpa2xpYnp4ZHE2cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Follow Kenia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RbJCd3uxh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow Kenia on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenialink_?_r=1&_t=ZT-92Kw0J0yATW Sound effects and sound design for Off The Trail provided by: Editing and sound design by Trout Stream Studios Forest snow falling and birds by xkeril -- https://freesound.org/s/673266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 walking in the snow.wav by brick_on_de -- https://freesound.org/s/274131/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 gun lee enfield 303 rifle clean shot.wav by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/450853/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Dec 12
A powerful look at how real hunters fight for access, protect tradition, and mentor the next generation. Joining Kenia this week is Jared Bornstein, a Maine lobbyist, dedicated outdoorsman, and the force behind programs that get more kids into the woods and on the water. Jared breaks down how youth hunting mentorship, moose hunting access, and his year-round program Moose Maine Kids are helping kids and families step into the outdoors, many for the first time. You’ll hear how his personal journey into deer hunting as a teenager shaped his belief that no kid should be told “no” when they want to head into the woods, whether they're chasing whitetails, calling spring turkeys, or dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime moose hunt. We also dig into the political side of conservation, why it takes bipartisan work, why the right language matters, and how Maine’s ongoing fight for a constitutional right to hunt and fish could set the tone for other states. Travis Thompson returns to share how Florida’s experience informs Maine’s strategy, and why every hunter, angler, and aspiring outdoorsman should pay attention. Whether you care about waterfowl hunting access, fair chase laws, or protecting traditional fishing opportunities from fly-fishing-only restrictions, this is a rare insider look at how real conservation work gets done. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Jared Bornstein’s work: https://lobbymaine.com Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Dec 5
A groundbreaking Everglades conservation mission reveals what it really takes to rebuild a wild deer population. Kenia heads deep into the Florida Everglades to follow one of the most ambitious wildlife restoration efforts happening anywhere in the country: the Everglades Deer Reintroduction Project. Host Kenia sits down with Mike Elfenbein of the Isaac Walton League’s Cypress Chapter to break down how a massive landscape, once home to thriving white-tailed deer herds, lost nearly all of its deer over the last two decades, and what it takes to put them back. Listeners will get an insider look at the real fieldwork behind the project, including darting wild whitetails, conducting genetic testing, fitting GPS tracking collars, and relocating healthy deer into 45,000 acres of restored habitat. Mike explains how high water levels, predation from Florida panthers and pythons, and decades of water-management changes reshaped the ecosystem, and why science-driven collaboration with tribes, ranchers, hunters, and conservationists is key to recovering the species. From wildlife biology and land management to the emotional moments of releasing deer back into historic habitat, this conversation blends conservation storytelling, whitetail behavior insights, and the kind of practical big-picture learning that resonates with lifelong hunters, aspiring outdoorsmen, and anyone who cares about wild places. Follow along as Kenia and Mike unpack what today’s work means for the future of whitetail hunting, Everglades conservation, and species restoration projects across America. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Mike Elfenbein’s work: https://wildlifeflorida.org/our-people/mike-elfenbein/ Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=%2Fmike_2lf%2F&source=omni_redirect&hl=en Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Nov 28
A seasoned Ohio crappie angler shares the secrets, stories, and strategies that keep America’s fishing heritage alive. In this episode of Hunt Fish Freedom, we sit down with longtime Ohio angler and national crappie tournament champion Jason Koesters for a deep-dive into the stories, strategies, and outdoor traditions that shaped his life on the water. If you love crappie fishing, ice fishing, or passing those passions down to the next generation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Jason walks us through his early days bobber-fishing with his dad and grandpa on Grand Lake St. Marys, the competitive years that took him across the Midwest, and the unforgettable season that landed him a national title and a brand-new boat. He also breaks down how everyday anglers can improve their success—whether in shallow-water crappie bites, tournament-style technique, or winter ice fishing tactics. You’ll hear how he introduces kids to fishing the right way, why small lakes across Ohio remain overlooked fisheries, and what it takes to stay rooted in the outdoors while raising a family. From simple jig-and-waxworm setups to the mindset behind consistent tournament performance, this episode blends practical fishing strategy with a genuine love of America’s outdoor traditions. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Jason Koesters’ work: https://www.wired2fish.com/news/koesters-and-hengstler-win-2019-crappie-usa-classic-on-old-hickory Follow Jason Koesters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koesters20fishing/ Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Nov 21
A fight for hunting freedom is unfolding in Ohio, and every outdoorsman has a stake in the outcome. Across the country, hunting and fishing face growing political pressure and Ohio may be the next battleground. In this episode, we sit down with State Representative Phil Plummer for a candid, insider conversation on why protecting the right to hunt and fish matters now more than ever. From waterfowl hunting access to deer herd management, Rep. Plummer breaks down the real-world consequences when anti-hunting ballot initiatives gain traction, drawing lessons from Oregon, Florida, and other states where outdoorsmen had to mobilize fast. Listeners will hear firsthand how proposed legislation could impact everything from whitetail deer hunting to food security, wildlife conservation funding, and the future of mentorship programs that get kids on the water for the first time. Rep. Plummer also touches on the chronic wasting diseases and EHD outbreaks affecting Ohio’s deer herd—and why population management remains essential to long-term conservation. Whether you’re obsessed with whitetail bucks, spend spring chasing gobblers, or live for weekend bass fishing trips, this conversation underscores why hunters and anglers must stay engaged, informed, and united. The traditions passed from grandparents to grandkids depend on it. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Representative Plummer’s work in Ohio: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/phil-plummer Follow Phil Plummer’s Campaign: https://www.plummerforohio.com Follow Phil Plummer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlummerforOhio/ Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Nov 14
Country star Lucas Hoge shares how his love for hunting and fishing shaped his music and mission. Country artist and Hoge Wild TV host Lucas Hoge joins Hunt. Fish. Freedom. to share his remarkable journey from small-town Nebraska farm life to a career at the crossroads of music, conservation, and the outdoors. Growing up running traplines and upland bird hunting, Lucas learned early that time spent outside builds more than skill, it builds character. Lucas opens up to Kenia about how hunting and fishing continue to inspire his songwriting, including hits like Nowhere (the official IOTR theme song!) and his new record Book About Me. He shares the moment that sparked his outdoor TV show, Hoge Wild—now entering its seventh season on the Sportsman’s Channel—and how it’s become a platform for storytelling, education, and giving back through his Hoge Wild Heroes Foundation. From elk hunts in Colorado to fishing floatplanes in Alaska, Lucas reveals how outdoor adventure and country music can work hand in hand to connect people to the land, to each other, and to something bigger than themselves. Whether you’re an avid hunter or just dream of the next season in the field, this episode will inspire you to chase your passions and protect the wild places that make them possible. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Lucas Hoge’s work: https://www.lucashoge.com Follow Lucas on Instagram: lucashoge Follow Lucas on Facebook: lucashoge Follow Lucas on Spotify: 0hj3TrC0GoZKDTyxZo88pP Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Nov 7
A grueling climb, scorching heat, and one perfect shot, this is the bighorn sheep hunt of a lifetime. When Kenia drew a coveted Idaho bighorn sheep tag, she knew it would test every ounce of grit she had. But nothing could have prepared her for the raw beauty and brutal terrain of Hell’s Canyon. In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom. , Kenia sits down with cohost Luke Hilgemann to relive her once-in-a-lifetime sheep hunt through Idaho’s Unit 11, where towering cliffs meet the Snake River and every step feels earned. From 105-degree heat and steep climbs to 12-mile treks across shale slopes, Kenia recounts how persistence, faith, and solid mountain gear finally led to a perfect Boone and Crockett ram, a world-class sheep scoring just shy of 190. Along the way, she shares lessons learned from elite guides, how to mentally push through grueling mountain hunts, and why conservation is at the heart of every ethical pursuit. Whether you dream of chasing Rocky Mountain bighorns or simply love hearing true outdoor grit stories, this episode captures what it means to hunt hard, give thanks, and protect wild places for the next generation. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr
Oct 31
The fight for hunting and fishing rights has moved to the courtroom — and outdoorsmen are taking a stand. In this episode of Hunt. Fish. Freedom. , host Kenia Link sits down with Luke Hilgemann and Travis Thompson to unpack one of the most important — and least understood — battles in modern conservation: litigation. From the bear hunts in Florida to the right-to-fish fight in Maine, this episode dives deep into how hunters and anglers are defending their outdoor heritage through the legal system. You’ll hear how anti-hunting groups are using lawsuits to block science-based wildlife management — and how the International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR) is fighting back. Luke and Travis break down why constitutional protections for hunting and fishing matter, what “right to harvest” really means, and why showing up — from commission meetings to courtrooms — is critical to protecting waterfowl hunting, whitetail seasons, and sustainable fisheries for generations to come. Whether you chase ducks in flooded timber, glass for elk in the Rockies, or wet a line for smallmouth bass, this episode delivers a grounded look at the legal frontlines of conservation — and what it takes to keep our outdoor freedoms alive. Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr