HOUSTON, TX – October 13, 2025 — The Hunting Matters podcast, presented by Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), welcomes acclaimed wildlife and Western artist Vickie McMillan-Hayes to its latest episode.
A proud native Texan, McMillan-Hayes is celebrated for her breathtaking depictions of wildlife, rugged Western landscapes, and the spirit of the American cowboy and cowgirl. Her award-winning paintings have been showcased in prestigious galleries and museums across the country and around the world, including The Briscoe Western Art Museum, The Museum of Western Art, The C.M. Russell Museum, and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s Cowgirl Up! exhibition.
Vickie’s work is inspired by years of field study and firsthand observation, including five summers spent living and studying animals in their natural habitat in Africa. Her art not only captures the majesty and emotion of wildlife but also serves as a powerful platform for conservation awareness.
Despite living with Essential Tremors since age 16—a condition that affects her ability to maintain a steady hand—Vickie has developed a distinctive painting technique that enables her to achieve remarkable precision and detail. Her resilience and innovative approach have made her an inspiration to artists and conservationists alike.
Her impressive list of honors includes selection for the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies program, being named Houston Safari Club Artist of the Year and Safari Club International Houston Artist of the Year, and recognition by organizations such as the California Art Club, Salmagundi Art Club, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
On Hunting Matters, Vickie joins HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar to discuss her journey as an artist, her deep connection to wildlife and conservation, her experiences in Africa, and how she has turned personal challenges into creative triumphs.
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.
