The Origins Foundation Podcast

Field Leaders Ep. 3 – Representative Neil Riser || Louisiana State Representative

Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Ashley Smith (The Origins Foundation)
Guest: Rep. Neil Riser, Louisiana House of Representatives

Episode Overview

This episode features a compelling conversation with Louisiana State Representative Neil Riser, widely regarded as an extreme outdoorsman and veteran legislator passionate about hunting culture, wildlife conservation, and protecting the traditions—and future—of sportsmanship in Louisiana. Riser shares captivating survival stories from the field—ranging from polar bear and brown bear hunts to a harrowing 43-day ordeal in the Alaskan wilderness during the 9/11 attacks—and reflects on his approach to fair chase and conservation leadership. The discussion turns to vital policy issues, including the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) task force he pioneered, highlighting the intersection of outdoor culture, science, and public policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background & Introduction to Rep. Neil Riser

• Riser's legislative background and committee service (Natural Resources, Commerce, Homeland Security) ([04:02]).
• Deep roots in rural Louisiana and personal history as an “extreme outdoorsman” ([03:40], [04:44]).

Quote:
"Extreme outdoors is what I have heard about you...not only have you championed sportsman's issues in the Louisiana legislature for a number of years...but you're just an avid outdoorsman."
—Ashley Smith [04:36]

2. Early Hunting Roots & Tradition in Rural Louisiana

• Grew up immersed in hound-based deer hunting culture (84 hounds as a family operation) ([05:07]).
• Evolution from dog-based hunting to still hunting and bow hunting ([10:13]).
• Hunting as an intergenerational tradition (“it’s a way of life, it’s culture”) ([10:23], [10:44]).

Quote:
"It's a way of life is our culture where I'm from."
—Rep. Riser [10:23]

3. Philosophy of Fair Chase and Pursuit of Extreme Hunts

• Defines "fair chase" as hunting on horseback or on foot, sleeping outside, refusing to use hired packers or guides when it would reduce personal effort ([13:19]).
• Personal ethic: When he can no longer physically undertake such hunts, he’ll “leave it for someone else to live their dream” ([13:26]).

Quote:
"That's my moment in time where I need to turn loose and leave the conservation component of it and leave it for someone else to live their dream."
—Rep. Riser [13:22]

4. Extreme Adventures: Survival Stories from Around the World

a. Polar Bear Hunt in the Arctic ([13:49]–[27:23])

• Preparation, cold weather survival (60 below zero, “if you get cold, it's basically too late”) ([14:08], [14:46]).
• Suffering temporary blindness from snow glare and the dangerous beauty of the Arctic ([19:34], [20:52]).
• Gripping encounter with a charging polar bear—rescuing a young Inuit guide in an intense, near-fatal episode ([21:41]–[26:49]).

Memorable Moment:
"The bear comes across, hits when we run and hits the, hits the sled, flips it about 11 foot and the air comes back. Stuff goes everywhere...the boy's running, I put my arm out... Now he's fighting for his life. The bear's about a foot away from my left calf...How she didn't bite me, I don't know...It was enough that we got back, it didn't sound believable."
—Rep. Riser [24:53]–[27:02]

b. Stranded in Alaska after 9/11—43 Days of Survival ([27:55]–[41:39])

• Story of how a 10-day brown bear hunt became a survival ordeal when 9/11 grounded all flights ([29:57]–[32:43]).
• Subsisted on salmon, berries, and minimal rations; lost a pound a day; psychological and physical toll ([32:07], [34:52]).
• Transformation into a “wild animal” mindset; hypersensitivity to nature; culture shock returning to civilization ([34:53]–[39:04]).
• Describes the surreal feeling of turning on hot water for the first time in weeks ([38:10]).

Quote:
"Time quits meaning anything. It's not torturous... After day 20, 21, you made it past...you've turned kind of in the wild...The next night was the same thing. Finally, I said heck with this. Got my sleeping bag, went out, lay down on the ground in the yard."
—Rep. Riser [34:53], [39:03]

c. Effects on Family & Personal Habits ([39:12])

• Family expected his long absence; ongoing communication on the outside, but none reaching them.
• Still prefers sleeping outdoors, built a sleeping porch over a lake ([39:04]).

5. Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force — Legislative Initiatives ([42:21]–[47:06])

• Creation of a state CWD task force to confront the spread of CWD in Louisiana deer populations.
• Impact of feeding bans on hunting culture and rural economies; working toward practical, science-based solutions through collaborative task force ([42:56]–[46:56]).
• Emphasizes open communication among opposing stakeholders as a breakthrough ([46:30]).

Quote:
"When you sit down and hear the whole story, normally you don’t come out feeling the same way...Communication has been good."
—Rep. Riser [46:31], [46:56]

6. Protecting the Future of Hunting & Conservation ([49:08]–[51:52])

• Concerns about access for new generations of hunters, especially with shifting land use and decline in public hunting opportunities ([49:08]).
• Advocates for policies that protect hunting/fishing rights and the Second Amendment; stresses the risk of incremental erosion of these rights ([51:22]–[51:52]).

Quote:
"We gotta watch for...not restricting that where somebody says well, they only need to use a slug...you can gravitate in the wrong direction inch by inch without...noticing it."
—Rep. Riser [51:22]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Context | |-----------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:36 | Ashley Smith | "Extreme outdoors is what I have heard about you...you've championed sportsman's issues in the Louisiana legislature..." | | 10:23 | Rep. Riser | "It's a way of life is our culture where I'm from." | | 13:22 | Rep. Riser | "When it comes my time, you can hire packers to carry your stuff...But I won't. I refuse to do that..." | | 24:53 | Rep. Riser | [Describing the polar bear attack:] "The bear comes across, hits the sled, flips it about 11 foot...he's chasing the boy to kill him." | | 34:53 | Rep. Riser | "Time quits meaning anything...you've turned kind of in the wild." | | 39:03 | Rep. Riser | "Got my sleeping bag, went out, lay down on the ground in the yard and went to sleep right there." | | 46:31 | Rep. Riser | "Everyone has worked good with us...the communication has been good." | | 51:22 | Rep. Riser | "You can gravitate in the wrong direction inch by inch without...noticing it." |

Important Timestamps & Segments

• Rep. Riser’s legislative/committee service – [03:41]–[04:02]
• Louisiana hunting tradition: hounds & evolution of deer hunting – [05:07]–[10:13]
• Fair chase philosophy and ethics – [13:19]–[13:30]
• Polar bear hunt and arctic survival – [13:49]–[27:23]
• Survival during 9/11 in Alaska – [27:55]–[41:39]
• CWD and legislative collaboration – [42:21]–[47:06]
• Protecting hunting traditions, access for youth, and Second Amendment rights – [49:08]–[51:52]

Tone and Language

The conversation is marked by camaraderie, authenticity, humor, and a deep respect for the outdoors—from harrowing life-and-death tales to reflections on family and tradition. Riser’s storytelling is vivid, sometimes gritty, but always suffused with humility and an earnest sense of mission. Ashley Smith steers the discussion from tales of survival to policy insights with warmth and admiration.

Conclusion

Rep. Neil Riser offers unique, hard-earned perspectives on the value of outdoor sports, the essential role of hunters in conservation, and the need for courage and collaboration to protect those traditions for future generations. His blend of hard-fought adventure and active legislative leadership embodies the spirit The Origins Foundation seeks to champion.