The Hunting Matters podcast, hosted by Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) Executive Director Joe Betar, is proud to welcome Leo Martinez, ranch manager of Dancing Elk Alexander (DEA) Ranch in Mathis, Texas, and HSCF’s 2025 Outfitter of the Year.

Born in Freer, Texas, Leo has dedicated more than 35 years to the ranching and hunting industry, managing premier hunting operations across South Texas since 1986. As manager of DEA Ranch, Leo oversees a world-class hunting destination offering opportunities for white-tailed deer, elk, exotic game, turkey, and dove. His work blends ethical hunting practices with sustainable wildlife management, preserving the land’s resources for future generations.

Leo’s passion for ranching began with his grandfather, a lifelong cowboy and ranch foreman, whose values of hard work, stewardship, and respect for the land continue to inspire his leadership today. In addition to his ranch work, Leo serves as a Vice President on the HSCF Board of Directors, helping advance the organization’s mission of conservation, education, and preserving the outdoor way of life. DEA Ranch is a corporate partner of HSCF, supporting HSCF’s mission to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

Listeners can tune in as Leo joins Joe Betar to discuss his decades of ranch management experience, insights on ethical hunting, the unique challenges of managing South Texas wildlife, and the legacy of family values that guide his work.

Hunting Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as at https://hscfdn.org/hunting-matters-podcast/.

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.

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.