The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce internationally respected wildlife biologist, conservationist, author, hunter, and HuntStand executive Brian Murphy as the latest guest on the HSCF Hunting Matters podcast.
Murphy joins host Joe Betar for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career in wildlife research and deer management, his deep Texas roots, and HuntStand's new documentary, Origins, which explores the history, science, people, and conservation principles behind modern whitetail deer management.
With more than 35 years of experience in deer research, biology, and management, Murphy has established himself as one of North America's leading authorities on whitetail deer. He holds a B.S. in Range and Wildlife Management from Texas Tech University and an M.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Georgia.
His career includes 23 years as CEO of the Quality Deer Management Association, where he helped build the organization into one of the most influential whitetail conservation organizations in North America. Prior to that, he served as a Deer Research Coordinator at the University of Georgia and as a Deer Biologist for the Australian government.
Murphy's professional career has also included extensive wildlife research in Texas, including work on some of the state's most iconic ranches, including the YO Ranch, King Ranch, and Piloncillo Ranch. Those experiences provide a unique perspective on the evolution of deer management, habitat conservation, private-land stewardship, and the role hunters play in sustaining healthy wildlife populations.
Murphy's passion for wildlife extends well beyond his professional career. A lifelong hunter and angler, he has pursued dozens of big-game species in five countries, including Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Yet his greatest passion remains hunting white-tailed deer, particularly with a bow.
His contributions to conservation have earned numerous honors, including the National Conservation Award from the Australian Deer Association, the E.L. Cheatum Wildlife Excellence Award from the University of Georgia, and recognition as one of Outdoor Life's Top 25 Conservationists in the United States in 2011.
In 2025, Murphy received the University of Georgia Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed by his alma mater.
Away from his professional work, Murphy shares his passion for the outdoors with his wife, Heidi, and their two daughters, Lauren and Jordan, both accomplished hunters and anglers.
About Hunting Matters:Hunting Matters is the official, award-winning podcast of the Houston Safari Club Foundation. Featuring hunters, conservationists, outdoor professionals, and thought leaders, each episode dives deep into the stories that shape the future of wildlife and hunting heritage. Hunting Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as at https://hscfdn.org/hunting-matters-podcast/.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation:HSCF is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org.