The Origins Foundation Podcast Episode 617 — Sam Lawry || Sledgehammer On Outlaws
January 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a lively and thoughtful conversation with Sam Lawry, a veteran in wildlife conservation and hunting with 43 years of experience. The discussion explores the evolving ethics and culture of hunting, the importance of storytelling, strategies for conservation outreach, and plenty of colorful stories from Sam’s years in law enforcement as a game warden. Expect philosophical musings about hunting’s primal roots, practical takes on modern conservation, and hilarious tales about outlaws and dangerous wildlife encounters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Changing Culture and Ethics of Hunting

• Sam discusses how the field has changed since he began in the early 1980s. There’s been a shift away from the strong hunting/fishing culture of earlier years as more wildlife professionals today have less hunting background.

  • Sam: “The majority of them did not hunt and fish, and you would slowly integrate them into that patronage.” (10:09)

• Increasing urbanization and social changes have made public understanding of hunting more challenging, yet Sam is optimistic about new waves of hunters and shifting perspectives.

  • Sam: “All of us as hunters need to tell the story. And the story isn’t pulling the trigger... it’s all the components and ingredients that were involved in that journey.” (23:52)

2. The Value of Experience and Storytelling

• The episode delves into how hunters can better communicate the meaning and experience of hunting to a wider public.

  • Sam: “We need to champion our narrative. We need to champion the truth around what we do and who we are.” (00:46)

• Sam draws on a moving anecdote as an instructor for a women’s waterfowl weekend, where novice hunters’ emotional reactions highlighted how profound the full hunting experience is—not just harvesting an animal.

  • Sam: “When the one lady finally shot and killed one, she started crying of joy... The thought of providing food as the primary reason just went out the window. It was that whole experience.” (19:24)

• Sam’s writing (two books: The Pursuit of Wild Things and a memoir about his law enforcement days) aims to celebrate and preserve these stories.

  • Sam: “Shame on them. Where’s the story about that 390 point elk? ...We as hunters need to tell the story more.” (22:10)

3. Conservation Challenges and Opportunities

• Discussion of the current state of wildlife populations: some species have declined, while others have rebounded, offering more hunting opportunities than decades ago.

  • Sam: “You look at wildlife populations today, we’re arguably living the heyday of wildlife.” (12:03)
  • Sam: “You have to be flexible and adaptable to some of the ups and downs of different wildlife populations.” (14:46)

• The hosts and Sam stress the importance of bringing non-hunters and decision-makers (like prosecutors and lawmakers) into the field to help them understand the nuances and value of hunting and conservation.

  • Sam: “Wardens and agencies need to take those people out... Inform and educate the people that are going to be hearing these cases.” (30:06)

4. Hunting Law Enforcement and the Outlaws

• Sam shares the realities and risks of being a wildlife officer—often working alone, dealing with both minor infractions and serious crime.

  • Sam: “You just don’t... none of this stuff is worth you not making it home, period.” (44:32)

• The episode takes a comedic turn as Sam tells stories about undercover work, particularly busting “Yahoo” dove hunters and apprehending poachers.

  • Sam: (on undercover work) “I’m acting like I can’t hit them. And then finally he shot a swallow... That guy was me, you know, so we gotta kind of put a stop to your behavior.” (41:06)

• Sam emphasizes the importance of hunters policing their own community and standing up against poaching and violations:

  • Sam: “All the people that hunt need to say enough is enough. We’re not going to tolerate it anymore.” (32:08)

5. Wild Encounters: The Gaboon Viper Bust

• One of the more vivid stories involves a dangerous reptile trafficking bust, where Sam led a team to confiscate Gaboon vipers from a suspect’s home.
  • Sam: “They finally culminate this investigation and find out that this bad guy’s selling these Gaboon vipers... They’re behind the dresser in my bedroom, there’s a hole in the wall.” (46:23)
  • Sam: “He holds the mirror with a flashlight... all of a sudden, you hear him just go, ‘Oh my god, there they are.’” (48:14)

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On why storytelling matters:

  • “All the components and ingredients that were involved in that journey is the story. And so I don’t think we do a good enough job doing that.” — Sam (23:52)

• On unity and ethics in the hunting community:

  • “All the people that hunt need to say enough is enough. We’re not going to tolerate it anymore... those kinds of people are further casting the spell on anti hunting because they’re slobs.” — Sam (32:10)

• Undercover in Yuma:

  • “Well, that guy was me, you know, so we gotta kind of put a stop to your behavior.” — Sam (41:05)

• On the primal glue of hunting:

  • “This thought of providing food as the primary reason just went out the window. It was that whole experience—watching the sunrise, watching a muskrat swim across the pond...” — Sam (19:40)

• On law enforcement and danger:

  • “It didn’t need to happen right now... if you need to get backup, get their license plate, get who they are.” — Sam (44:16)

• On the Gaboon viper bust:

  • “Somebody hand me a mouse... I’ll be danged if those snakes just start one by one, you know, coming in.” — Sam (48:54)

• On Warden Wisdom Wednesday:

  • “They’re all tips about doing the right thing in the field so you don’t end up getting a ticket. And there’s one of them that’s the bloopers... that’s kind of fun.” — Sam (54:01)

Important Timestamps

• 00:46: The importance of championing the hunting narrative
• 05:47: How public/cultural perspective on hunting has shifted over four decades
• 10:09: Integrating non-hunters into wildlife management careers
• 14:46: Shifts in species populations and adapting as a hunter
• 19:24: Moving story about new women hunters
• 23:52: The necessity of telling hunting stories
• 30:06: Strategies for educating prosecutors and decision-makers
• 32:08: Poaching and community responsibility
• 41:05: Hilarious undercover game warden story
• 44:16: Realities and risks in law enforcement
• 46:23: Gaboon viper investigation and bust
• 54:01: "Warden Wisdom Wednesday" blooper reels

Additional Resources

• Sam Lawry’s Books:

  • The Pursuit of Wild Things: Philosophical reflections and hunting narratives
  • Stories of the Outlaws: Tales from Sam’s years in wildlife law enforcement
  • Both available via Sam Lawry’s Instagram—search "Sam Lawry" or "Sam Lawry Author" (53:12)

• Warden Wisdom Wednesday:

  • Sam’s Instagram features weekly video clips and tips for hunters (54:01)

The Takeaway

This episode blends rich storytelling with hard-won wisdom about hunting, conservation, and community responsibility. Sam Lawry’s tales—equal parts hilarious, poignant, and practical—underline why personal experience and ethical example are so important for securing the future of hunting and wildlife stewardship.