Ryan Callaghan
HunterKnown for:
Vice President of Conservation at MeatEater. Incoming President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. First employee of First Lite.
Sponsored by: MeatEater, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Ryan Callaghan, known as Cal in the MeatEater universe, was the first employee at First Lite in 2011 and worked his way up to Vice President of Conservation at MeatEater. Before joining the outdoor industry, he guided hunting, fishing, and rafting trips in Montana. He was named President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers starting January 2026, though he plans to continue hosting his podcast and appearing on video for MeatEater. On the MeatEater Podcast, his "Cal's Week in Review" segment covers hunting news, conservation policy, and gear discussions. He is also a longbow hunter.
Ryan Callaghan's Gear List(3)
First Lite
Product description
Hailey, Idaho-based hunting apparel brand built around fine-gauge merino wool sourced from New Zealand. Aerowool fabric blends merino with a proprietary nylon that accelerates moisture wicking without synthetic odor. Layering system spans early-season lightweight through late-season heavyweight insulation in proprietary Cipher and Specter camouflage patterns.
Connection note
Employee #1 at First Lite
Weatherby
Product description
Bolt-action rifle built on Weatherby's Model 307 platform, introduced in 2023 as the company's first new bolt-action centerfire design in over 50 years. Available in 11 calibers from .243 Win to .300 Win Mag, with a threaded, fluted barrel and TriggerTech Field trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs. The action uses a Remington 700 footprint, giving it compatibility with hundreds of aftermarket stocks, triggers, and chassis. Weighs roughly 7.3 to 7.5 lbs unscoped with an MSRP around $1,299.
Connection note
Collaborated with Weatherby team on design
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Last updated March 12, 2026