Since 1914, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation has been protecting our state’s wildlife, habitat and public lands for all to enjoy. Now the federation is kicking off a new chapter, launching the Ahi Va Podcast to present information to inform and inspire New Mexicans to conserve our resources for future generations. Stay connected to learn about important issues and ways to take action.
Ep. 63: Uno Arm Bandito – The Power of Perseverance with Kalef Dile
“Whether you say you can or say you can’t – you’re right.” While Henry Ford is credited with saying those words, Kalef Dile has lived them his entire life. Born without a left hand or forearm, Kalef learned at a very young age that the only limitations he has are those he allows himself to believe. After enjoying tremendous success as a youth athlete in multiple sports including football, marksmanship and jiu jitsu, Kalef discovered archery.
Like many things, the act of shooting a bow is a process that at first glance appears to require two hands and two arms. Many single arm archers, including Olympians have been successful using mouth tabs attached to the bow string. While powerfully biting the tab, an archer can extend his or her single arm while holding the riser [handle] of the bow bringing the bow to full draw. When ready to release the string and propel the arrow, an archer simply releases his or her teeth from the tab. A prior jaw injury prevents Kalef from having a strong enough bite to utilize this method for shooting his bow.
An avid outdoorsman, Kalef’s attraction to archery naturally led him to pursue bowhunting. The state of New Mexico allows for certain special accommodations for hunters who can prove a disability. There is no doubt, Kalef would have been approved to use a crossbow had he made the request. Rather than claim a disability though Kalef’s attitude is one that welcomes challenges which provide him an opportunity to prove his ability instead.
In September 2026 Kalef successfully harvested a mule deer buck on public land with one perfectly placed arrow shot from his vertical bow. In this episode of the Ahí Va Podcast, Kalef tells the story of that hunt and describes all the trials and tribulations he endured leading up to it. As host of the show, Jesse Deubel was truly inspired by this young man’s journey. You will be too. Enjoy the Listen!
For more info:
NMWF Website (https://www.nmwildlife.org/)
Kalef Dile Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/uno_arm_bandito/)
7 Sept 2026
Ep. 62: Land Tawney on Founding American Hunters and Anglers
Two long-time friends reconnect on this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast. Land Tawney once worked for the National Wildlife Federation. From there he went on to be the original CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. He led that organization for a decade. During that time he met Jesse Deubel and the two of them immediately became friends. While they've been working "in the arena" together for many years, this is the first in-depth conversation the two have had in quite some time. Follow along as Land explains what motivated him to found his new organization, American Hunters and Anglers Action Network.
The American Hunters & Anglers Action Network is a national, nonpartisan advocacy organization focused on defending public lands, waters, wildlife, and the outdoor heritage of hunters and anglers. AHA provides a nimble national platform for mobilizing sportsmen and women around urgent public-land issues and holding decision-makers accountable.
NMWF and AHA work together informally when their conservation priorities align. This relationship provides NMWF with an additional avenue to amplify New Mexico conservation issues within a broader national sportsmen’s network. That informal collaboration strengthens NMWF’s ability to build coalitions, share information, mobilize public support, and elevate threats to New Mexico’s public lands and wildlife beyond the state. The relationship is particularly valuable as NMWF works to ensure that hunters and anglers remain a strong and influential constituency in the national conversation about the future of public lands.
Many Ahi Va listeners are already familiar with Land Tawney and his incredible conservation impact. For those who do not know him, brace yourself for his candid and entertaining delivery. Land is an exceptional person with unrivaled passion for protecting hunting, fishing and public lands. These issues course through his veins all day, every day. That continues to fuel his insatiable appetite to make sure future generations are afforded the same kinds of opportunities he and Jesse Deubel have had on public lands across this great country. Enjoy the listen!
For more info:
American Hunters and Anglers Website (https://www.americanhuntersandanglers.org/)
American Hunters and Anglers Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/americanhuntersanglers/)
NMWF (https://www.nmwildlife.org/)
1 Aug 2026
Ep. 61: Meet Joe Wilson
A little white lie ultimately led to Joe Wilson becoming a national hunting celebrity. As humble as he is, Joe would never agree to being referred to as a celebrity. Even so, hunters, anglers, chefs and backyard barbecue fanatics around the country know Joe Wilson as the man who founded the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff [WCSCO]. Held every year in Springdale, Arkansas this event attracts thousands of curious minds from all around the world. In this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast, Jesse Deubel sits down with Joe to discuss the creation story of this unique and inspiring annual gathering. Just as there is so much more to this event than cooking squirrels, there is a lot more to Joe Wilson's contributions to society than organizing the WCSCO.
Jesse and Joe talk about the importance of embracing diversity while finding commonality with our neighbors. Joe provides the history of why he created the non-profit organization "Steaks 4 Sheepdogs." This, often comical conversation provides listeners with a glimpse into the interesting travels and unique culinary experiences Joe has amassed over the years. Those adventurous culinary exposures have resulted in some unique, award-winning cooking product offerings including Wilsonshire Sauce. When asked why he would make a new version of the classic, Worcestershire sauce Joe's answer came pretty easy. Worcestershire is too hard for people to pronounce.
While his custom sauce and spices win barbecue contests all over the country, Joe wins the hearts and minds of everyone he meets. He meets many of those folks when they agree to be a guest on his wildly popular podcast, "Cooking up a Story." On his show, Joe and his comedic co-hosts provide people from all walks of life an opportunity to share their stories. Those stories elicit a broad and sometimes unexpected range of reactions including laughter, tears, anger, surprise and inspiration. One thing is always evident. Joe cares about people. He cares about helping people. He cares about helping people help other people. His compassion for fellow Americans coupled with his contagious positivity and unmatched sense of humor continue to attract attention. Next year anyone who tunes in to the Outdoor Channel/Sportsman Channel will have an opportunity to get to know more about this great man by watching his newest show, "Meet Joe Wilson." Until then, I hope this episode of the Ahi Va podcast provides you with an entertaining introduction to this truly special person. Enjoy the listen!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
4.3 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
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