ARIZONA’S HUNTING HERITAGE IS UNDER ATTACK

The next two election cycles will decide its future

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ARIZONA’S HUNTING HERITAGE IS UNDER ATTACK

The next two election cycles will decide its future

What’s at stake in Arizona

Second Amendment freedoms restricted
Predator policy driven by activists, not science
Public land access shrinking
Policy driven by activists, not science
Hunters sidelined from the political process

Arizona Grassroots Opportunity

150,000 AZ hunters won’t vote in 2026 unless activated. Enough to swing any election.

Hunter Nation is the only trusted messenger.

These pressures are already shaping elections, policy, and land access across Arizona

OUR MISSION

Protect Arizona’s hunting heritage and mobilize the voters who decide its future.

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Join Our Grassroots Army

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SUPPORT OUR LIFESTYLE

WHY HUNTER NATION

Hunter Nation is the united voice of the American hunter. We educate, engage, and mobilize hunters to protect the hunting way of life.

National Impact:

Reached 12M+ hunters nationwide
Turned out 2.35M hunters in 2024 battleground states
Low-propensity hunters exceeded 2024 presidential victory margins in 5 key states

Policy & Election Wins:

Restored Sunday hunting access in Pennsylvania
Won Baton Rouge Mayor & LA Senate District 23
Mobilized 250,000 Louisiana hunters to influence federal action
Delisting of Gray Wolf Passed House within Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 845)

Arizona Readiness:

Proven activation models prepared for 2026 deployment in Arizona

Meet Arizona State Director

Derek Matthews, Ph.D. - Arizona State Director

Derek@HunterNation.org

I’m not here to talk about my titles or accolades. I’d rather share my values, and why I am here.

I was taught early to work hard, honor my word, and take care of people—lessons learned sweeping floors, loading trucks, and doing whatever needed to be done in my family’s beer distribution business. The people I worked alongside taught me how to hunt and what the hunting lifestyle really means.

It’s not ultimately about fancy hunting gear or trophy mounts. It’s about the people you hunt with—and the moments after the hunt, around the campfire or the dinner table, where stories are shared and values are passed down. There’s no other sport that creates that bond. I want that for my 3 children. That’s what’s worth protecting in Arizona.

Many hunters don’t vote. But when they do, America wins. In Arizona alone, we estimate 150,000 hunters who share our values won’t show up to vote in 2026—enough to shape outcomes without our voice. Hunter Nation exists to change that by uniting and activating hunters.

I’m not here to be the hero. You are. I am just the guide, surrounded by a team of advisors who are ready to save our Hunting Lifestyle.

Meet the Arizona Advisor Committee

Derek Matthews, Ph.D.

State Director, Chair

I’m not here to talk about my titles or accolades. I’d rather share my values, and why I am here.

I’m not here to be the hero. You are. I am just the guide, surrounded by a team of advisors who are ready to save our Hunting Lifestyle.

Bradley Hillstrom Jr.

Entrepreneur & Co-Chair

Originally from California, Bradley moved to Arizona in search of greater freedom, a stronger connection to the land, and a state where heritage still thrives. A dynamic business and economic ecosystem builder, he has a gift for multiplying talent—identifying potential in people and helping them grow in purpose, process, and impact. His entrepreneurial insight and commitment to developing strong teams make him an invaluable force in guiding Hunter Nation Arizona’s growth and partnership development.

Eddy Corona

President, Outdoor Experience for All

Eddy’s passion for hunting and the outdoors began on his family’s ranch in Mexico. A first-generation American raised in Tucson, he spent his summers working alongside his grandparents at Rancho La Bellotosa, where he learned responsibility, stewardship, and respect for the land.

Introduced to hunting by his stepfather, Eddy learned to hunt ethically and came to understand the critical link between hunting and conservation—a principle that now defines his work.

Today, Eddy serves as President of Outdoor Experience for All, a nonprofit providing life-changing outdoor experiences to children with disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, children of fallen heroes, and disabled veterans. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of the President of the United States under President Donald Trump and recognition from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, but considers the greatest reward seeing lives changed through the outdoors—and demonstrating that hunters are essential to conservation.

Elisha Ferraro

Grassroots Community Engagement Expert

Elisha brings years of experience in volunteer leadership, community engagement, and relationship-building. With a background in AmeriCorps program management and coordinating opportunities for hundreds of nonprofits and schools, she excels at mobilizing people around meaningful causes. She is active in her local community, passionate about service, and skilled at bringing families, volunteers, and organizations together. Her strengths in outreach, communication, and community building make her a valuable asset to our statewide mission.

Joey Vincent

Entrepreneur & Avid Hunter

Joey is a natural network connector who strengthens communities by bringing people together. An Arizona native, proud husband, and father of four, he spends significant time teaching his kids the hunting lifestyle and the heritage that defines our state. Deeply knowledgeable about conservation and what it takes to keep Arizona’s hunting opportunities thriving, Joey blends business leadership with a passion for preserving the outdoors for future generations.

George Heiler

Founder, Tech & Real Estate

George brings modern innovation and a passion for the outdoors, strengthening our ability to communicate, organize, and grow. Early in his career, he built and sold an 85-person technology consulting firm serving companies such as Roku, Kimberly-Clark, Publix, and Coinbase. He is also a hotel owner in Payson, Arizona, and a repeat founder, including a firearms silencer and parts manufacturing venture. Living and creating jobs in rural Payson with his wife and two young children, George is deeply committed to a Christian, outdoor, hunting, 2A, and free American lifestyle—and to helping others live out those same values.

James Gallegos

Strategic Investor, Marine Veteran, Ranch Owner & Lifelong Hunter

A voice for Arizona’s ranching and veteran communities, James brings land stewardship, discipline, and deep hunting knowledge. He is the owner of Blacktop Ranch in Texas, offering guided hunts across 400 acres of terrain and home to more than 25 species including African exotics, native game, and trophy whitetail. His apparel brand, BTR, bridges cultures where the concrete jungle meets the countryside.

The Cianciarulo Family

Hosts of The Choice (25+ Years)

For over 25 years, Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, along with their son RJ and his wife Aubrey, have shared their lives and legacy through The Choice TV show. Their message is simple: no matter what you hunt or how you hunt, as long as it’s legal—just hunt. Together, they continue to unite hunters and celebrate the family traditions that keep our outdoor lifestyle alive.

Joe Fanara

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Advisor & Avid Hunter

Living in Illinois, Joe brings a deep well of hunting knowledge, conservation insight, and traditional American values. A devoted father, he is passionate about teaching his boys the importance of hunting ethics, stewardship, and respect for the land. His financial expertise helps ensure our chapter operates with wisdom, stewardship, and integrity. Though he lives out-of-state, Joe has a genuine heart for Arizona and plays a key role in guiding our long-term financial health and mission impact.

Will Rudolphi

Dot Connector & Capital Raiser

Will is a Purdue University alumnus and seasoned business builder based in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a capital strategist and catalyst for growth, he leverages his expertise to drive innovation and strategic funding for emerging ventures. Will is a key connector in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and is passionate about fostering meaningful, long-term impact.

Dean Matthews

Land Manager, Entrepreneur & Conservationist

Dean is a former owner and operator of two President’s Award-winning Molson Coors wholesalers in Iowa and Illinois, an entrepreneur, leadership expert, and talent multiplier. A lifelong hunter turned land manager, he transformed his Illinois hunting property into a national destination for trophy whitetail—featured on the Pursuit Channel, Bass Pro, and Cabela’s. His expertise in habitat management, team leadership, and long-term conservation strategy strengthens our chapter’s commitment to preserving hunting for generations to come.

Tyler Smith, Ph.D.

Entrepreneur, Mechanical Engineering & Land Management

A fourth-generation Arizonan with deep agricultural roots, Tyler grew up working on his family farm in Maricopa, where his love for the outdoors and hunting began. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from ASU and now enjoys sharing Arizona’s wild places with his wife, Stephanie, and their three boys. Whether hunting, fishing, backpacking, or exploring the backcountry, Tyler brings a passion for land stewardship and outdoor adventure to our advisory team.

Jeff Dashnaw

Founder, MIA Films

Jeff was born on Catalina Island on April 1, 1956, and grew up hunting and fishing with his father, George. After his father joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the family moved to Los Angeles County, where Jeff spent his youth outdoors alongside firefighter families—shaping a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

With nearly 50 years in the motion picture industry, Jeff is the founder of MIA Films in Texas, focused on producing American-made films, employing U.S. filmmakers, and creating opportunities for veterans to build meaningful careers. An avid hunter and angler, Jeff purchases licenses wherever he travels and believes voting is both a right and a responsibility.

Jeff is honored to be part of Hunter Nation and committed to helping it continue to grow.

Recent projects include:

Hunter Nation Membership Packages

Hunter Nation led the effort to protect our Hunting and 2A Rights. Your help is needed! Together, we can Protect Our Hunting Heritage.

Patriot Member

$ 50.00

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Sportsmen Member

$ 100.00

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Hunter Pride 365 Member

$ 177.60

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DONATE to SUPPORT Hunter Nation Arizona

SUPPORT THE MISSION

Your donation fuels education, outreach, and hunter activation nationwide including Arizona.

Hunter Nation Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 85-0711935). Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Advocacy, News, & More

Hunter Nation Arizona – February 2026 Update

By Derek Matthews

February was a momentum-building month for Hunter Nation Arizona, marked by strategic conservation roundtables, strong representation at the Western Hunting Expo, and grassroots engagement across the state. From collaborating with statewide partners to energizing sportsmen in Salt Lake City and speaking to packed civic groups, our chapter continues expanding its reach and impact. Together, we’re strengthening Arizona’s hunting heritage, advancing conservation priorities, and growing a powerful, informed community of sportsmen.

A Legislative Victory for American Hunters: The Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 Passes Congress

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation is proud to celebrate a landmark victory for American hunters with the passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 845). This historic legislation restores science-based wildlife management by delisting the recovered gray wolf and returning authority to the states—where it belongs. Championed by Congressman Tom Tiffany and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, the bill is the result of years of relentless advocacy, expert testimony, and nationwide grassroots mobilization led by Hunter Nation. It represents a decisive stand for hunters, ranchers, and rural communities, proving that when sportsmen unite, policy can be changed and conservation can prevail.

Announcing Our HN Arizona Advisor Committee

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation Arizona is proud to announce the formation of its founding Advisor Committee, a diverse group of leaders united by a shared commitment to protecting Arizona’s hunting heritage. Rooted in faith, stewardship, family, and responsibility, this committee brings together hunters, entrepreneurs, conservationists, veterans, and community builders who understand what’s truly at stake. From preserving access and defending the hunting lifestyle to activating and uniting hunters across the state, these advisors will help guide Hunter Nation Arizona into its next chapter. This is about more than hunting,it’s about people, values, and passing a way of life on to future generations.

Hunter Nation Arizona: State Director Derek Matthews, Ph.D.

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation is proud to announce Derek Matthews, Ph.D., as the new Arizona State Director. Raised in rural Illinois where faith, family, and hunting shaped daily life, Derek brings a deep-rooted commitment to protecting America’s hunting heritage. Now based in Arizona, his background spans grassroots organizing, executive leadership, and political involvement, giving him a unique ability to unite sportsmen and families around shared values. As a father of three, Derek views this mission as deeply personal—ensuring future generations inherit the same freedoms and outdoor traditions. His leadership marks an important step forward in strengthening Hunter Nation’s presence and impact across Arizona.

Governor Hobbs’ Next Game & Fish Commissioner Could Decide Arizona’s Outdoors

By Hunter Nation

If you hunt, fish, or just love Arizona’s outdoors, a major decision is coming that could shape your experience for years to come. Governor Katie Hobbs will soon appoint a new member to the Arizona Game & Fish Commission — the body that sets hunting and fishing regulations, manages wildlife habitats, and oversees conservation funding. The finalists, Patrick Cooley of Yuma and Jessica Manuell of Parks, bring distinct expertise and perspectives, from business leadership to hands-on hunting and education. Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts have a stake in this choice — it affects access, wildlife health, and the future of Arizona’s outdoor traditions.

Conserving America’s Heritage: Supporting the Make America Beautiful Again Initiative

By Hunter Nation

The Make America Beautiful Again initiative is a bold step forward in conserving and restoring our nation’s lands, waters, and wildlife. Launched in honor of America’s 250th birthday, this effort reminds us that protecting our natural heritage is central to our national story. By prioritizing collaborative conservation strategies—such as wildlife recovery, habitat restoration, wetlands revitalization, and public lands access—the initiative delivers real results for healthier ecosystems and stronger communities. It also cuts red tape to accelerate projects, proving that conservation can unite Americans across the political spectrum.

Hunter Nation Praises Senators Johnson, Lee and Barrasso for Introduction of Bill to Delist Gray Wolf from Endangered Species Act

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation Press RElease Hunter Nation Praises Senators Johnson, Lee and Barrasso for Introduction of Bill to Delist Gray Wolf from Endangered Species Act Grassroots Hunting group urges Congress to pass legislation that returns control of recovered species back to states. April 04, 2025 Mission, KS– Hunter Nation, the leading grassroots organization for America’s…

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Virtual Campfire with Arizona Senate Candidate Kari Lake

By Hunter Nation

VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE Hunter Nation Virtual Campfire with Arizona Senate Candidate Kari Lake Play Video HUNTER NATION PRESENTS Arizona Senate Candidate Kari Lake. Hosted by Ted Nugent and Keith Mark. Originally aired Live on Tuesday 10/15 (9am ET / 8pm CT / 6pm PT) Early Voting in Arizona began on October 9, 2024 Last Day to…

HN-HTV-WI-07-15_Keith-Mark_Rock-Bordelon_Don-Jr_Ted-Nugent_01

Conservatives Reveal Plan To Awaken Sleeping Giant Voter Demographic That Could Decide White House, Senate – Daily Caller

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation NEWS Conservatives Reveal Plan To Awaken Sleeping Giant Voter Demographic That Could Decide White House, Senate Hunter Nation, led by Keith Mark, has joined forces with the NRA and other pro-gun organizations to awaken a “sleeping giant” voter demographic-millions of hunters and gun owners who are not yet registered to vote. With the…

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Hunter Nation – Newsletter – May 2024

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation NewsletterMAY 2024 Hello all! It has been a busy time here at Hunter Nation. We have been working hard on behalf of our members, and to protect the rights of all hunters and our hunting lifestyle. I am pleased to tell you that we are on quite a roll and have enjoyed some…

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Hunter Nation – Newsletter – April 2024

By Hunter Nation

Hunter Nation NewsletterApril 2024 Greetings from Hunter Nation headquarters! I hope each of you and your families had a wonderful and faith inspiring Easter. I also congratulate many of you on your turkey season successes and wishing the rest of you “Good Luck!” the rest of the way, or when your season starts. Here in…

Ralph Cianciarulo – Hunting Tips for Merriam Turkeys

By Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo

Ralph Cianciarulo – Hunting Tips for Merriam’s Turkey Play Video So it’s coming to springtime. And one of the best things, one of our most favorite things to do, and I used to pick on it a lot, you know, and that was Turkey and I used to say I hated turkey hunting and you…

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