National Wildlife Federation Outdoors

The great Mark Twain once wrote, “Buy land, they aren't making it anymore,” but Mr. Twain was wrong! The Mississippi River and the state of Louisiana are working together to build tens of thousands of acres on the Louisiana coast. Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's Chairman is Bren Haase. Chairman Haase is a passionate hunter and angler from Sportsman's Paradise, and he joined us to talk about Louisiana's coastal land loss crisis and how the state is battling that crisis for both people and wildlife. Suggested Links: https://coastal.la.gov/ https://midbasin.coastal.la.gov/ https://coastal.la.gov/our-plan/2023-coastal-master-plan/ https://www.vanishingparadise.org/blog/2022/8/creating-paradise-at-davis-pond Due to advertising inserted into the show post production, we are no longer able to provide show notes. Please be sure to following NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill sit down with renowned deer expert, speaker, and author Jim Heffelfinger to discuss a wide-ranging set of topics focused around the status of mule deer. We expand on what is impacting mule deer health and abundance, CWD, what impacts antler growth, how habitat changes life histories of mule deer, and many other fascinating topics. We even throw in a good deer joke. Jim is the complete expert on mule deer and this is a discussion you don't want to miss.  Suggested Links:  https://deernut.com/home https://wafwa.org/wpdm-package/2023-range-wide-status-of-the-black-tailed-and-mule-deer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill and Aaron have a fun conversation about all things onX hunt app with Jared Larsen, the company's Whitetail Marketing Manager. We talk about the advent and growth of the company, new features, things in the works, how they feel about the complaint that folks don't have to put in the work to scout areas, the conservation work onX does, and many other interesting topics. We also take a few questions from listeners who will now receive a one-year elite membership. Jared is a fun and charismatic dude. You don't want to miss this one.  Suggested Links: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app https://www.onxmaps.com/news https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives/private-land-public-access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lots of guests elicit laughter and also a few tugs at the heartstrings. Laughter is pretty easy, but it's rare a guest has both Aaron and Bill holding back tears in between the laughs, but Joey Monteleone did just that. From working hard in the inner city as a child of immigrants to traveling North America lecturing, writing and filming television shows about fishing, Monteleone has managed to live the life so many of us dream while hopefully watching a bobber during our youth. Over 50,000 (more than 1500 over five pounds) bass later, Joey's focus on simplifying tackle and techniques is awesome information for both beginner and veteran fishermen.  Suggested Links: https://hub.jacksonkayak.com/team-jk/kayak-fishing-factory-team/joey-monteleone/ https://www.amazon.com/ILL-BE-TENNESSEAN-YA-History/dp/1689845139 https://www.amazon.com/60-Seasons-fishing-Joey-Monteleone/dp/1952474922 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Storms-CentAnni-Joey-Monteleone/dp/1957344202/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15Q7IQIDO5MUD&keywords=the+secret+of+storms+joey+monteleone&qid=1692194518&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+secret+of+storms+joey+monteleone%2Cdigital-text%2C106&sr=1-1-catcorr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron sits down with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International while at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference. They discuss what SCI is, what type of policy SCI works on, the work SCI does to defend hunting and what that currently looks like across the US. Aaron and Chris also discuss the negative impacts to wildlife management if/when attempts to degrade or reduce hunting opportunities become a reality. Suggested Link: https://safariclub.org/ Show Notes: 1:29 - Aaron shares a little background on SCI and his connection with Chris. 4:35 - Chris shares his aim when attending conferences around the country. 5:54 - Chris has a background in litigation. He shares some of his legal background and experience. 7:17 - "What's the craziest thing that came across your desk?" Chris shares what he can on a podcast. 8:44 - SCI is a 501 C4 which also has a 501 C3 advocacy side. Chris talks about how SCI is structured and the type of work they do around the world. 12:15 - Defending the federal government more often than not? Chris unpacks this and then talks about his state to state work. 16:30 - Chris deals with everything from rabbits to rhinos. 21:01 - Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Show notes are not available after this stage due to inserted ads from our hosting platform. "Hunting pays for conservation. Hunting has paid for conservation for 100 years... or more" For more great content, action alerts and information on how you can make a difference. Please follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Wilkins works on the land stewardship team at the National Wildlife Federation. During this episode of AFIELD, he sits down with Rob Catalanotto and Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited and Friends of Fletcher's Cove. Friends of Fletcher's Cove is committed to maintaining, improving, and sustaining Fletcher's Cove as a premier urban gateway to the outdoors within Washington, D.C. Through grassroots advocacy and stakeholder collaboration, they ensure Fletcher's Cove is preserved and protected to benefit anglers, paddlers, wildlife enthusiasts, and outdoorspeople of all backgrounds.   Fletcher's Cove is a revered and historic outdoor resource along the Potomac River, located just below the fall line in the Potomac Gorge–roughly 2.5 miles upstream of Georgetown. The site is managed by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, which receives millions of visitors each year. Fletcher's Cove is one of the few public access points where for over one hundred years, visitors have enjoyed safe and reliable access to the Potomac river for fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and many other forms of outdoor recreation. Chris has worked for Trout Unlimited for 20 years, and previously worked for the United States Forest Service. He is an average but exceptionally earnest angler. Rob is a D.C. native who learned to love the outdoors and environmental conservation at Fletcher's Cove. Rob is also a Government Affairs representative for Trout Unlimited, working to advance coldwater conservation issues on Capitol Hill. Learn more here: https://savethecove.org/theissue/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill sit down with John Nores and Wayne Saunders, retired game wardens and co-hosts of the Warden's Watch podcast. We hear crazy stories from the line of duty ranging from the time Wayne was shot and his badge saved his life to John's many years of taking on drug cartels running illegal marijuana growing operations in California. We talk about how hunters and anglers should act if and when they are stopped by a warden, the most common violations, poaching stories, and how essential law enforcement is to safeguarding fish and wildlife. We also touch on the books John and Wayne have written. These guys are smart, entertaining, and have a wealth of knowledge you'll definitely want to hear.  Links: Warden's Watch podcast - https://wardenswatch.com/tag/podcast/ Wayne's book - https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Woods-Wayne-Saunders/dp/1734930896, John's website and book - www.johnnores.com and  https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-War-2nd-Operations-Reclaiming/dp/1951115333/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hidden+war+2nd+edition&qid=1674147534&s=books&sr=1-2 Show notes: 3:00 – Bill introduces Wayne and John (“John-Wayne”) from the Warden's Watch Podcast.  4:25 – John, Wayne, Bill and Aaron share what they have been doing outside recently.  8:53 – Ticks are bad this season… like, REALLY bad!  13:55 – Bill brings it back to the meat and potatoes of this podcast. How did these two men get into being Game Wardens? 19:45 – How did John and Wayne meet? 23:44 – Bill requests some good Game Warden stories… 30:50 - What is the connection between people doing dumb things and our society? 35:10 – Bill requests some of the dark sides of Game Warden stories… (being shot on the job). 44:47 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Plus a few ads from our hosting platform. Show notes are not accurate from here onwards due to these ad inserts. We apologize for any inconvenience… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill chat with Bailey and David about the newly proposed “Public Lands Rule”, which will determine future management of Bureau of Land Management lands. We offer BLM history, why the BLM decided to propose the rule, what the rule is designed to do and how it can help fish, wildlife, and hunting and fishing opportunities. Also, sometimes called the “conservation rule”, the proposed rule sets out to rebalance management of 245 million acres of the American West, including some of the finest fish and wildlife habitat in the world. And anyone can offer their ideas and feedback to the BLM. This podcast will help you learn more and be ready to share your thoughts with the BLM during the official comment period, which closes June 20th.  Suggested links:  Learn about the rule – https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule Comment on the rule - https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023-0001-0001 Show notes: 4:32 – The team chats quickly about their outdoor pursuits during the Memorial Day weekend.  8:07 – David answers the question, “What is the BLM?” and shares a short history.  12:30 – Bailey joins the discussion regarding the history and background of the Bureau of Land Management. 16:13 – What is the BLM's newly proposed “Conservation Rule”? 18:46 - Discussing neglect of the health and habitat of (some) public lands. These habitats need some active management and/or preservation. Cheatgrass and its role here. 24:55 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen, and a couple inserted ads from the Waypoints advertising community. *Unfortunately, because of these inserted ads we cannot be as detailed with show note time stamps from this point onward, but we will let you know a few key topics covered here: ·      What does a degraded habitat look like from the road?  ·      “The land nobody else wanted…” ·      Underfunding ·      Conservation Leasing and the infusion of new resources ·      Why should hunters and anglers should care about the BLM's proposed Conservation Rule? ·      Stream bank restoration projects and fish habitat improvements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill chat with long time authors Tom Reed and Greg McReynolds about the release of their new book, Mouthful of Feathers. The book is the result of years of compiling pieces from some of the most provocative upland bird hunting writers from across the country who have contributed to the blog of the same name. We talk love of dogs, love of wild country, and why they choose to build the book. We also wax about conservation writing, what inspires their work, and the state of outdoor writing. Mouthful of Feathers showcases a different kind of writing you won't find in the traditional sporting publications – humorous, inspiring, irreverent, full of clear love for the outdoors, it is a unique and refreshing complication that will leave you feeling satisfied.  Suggested Link:  www.mouthfuloffeathers.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where everyone has a podcast, we are excited to offer you something different. Join NWF Outdoors & Artemis Sportswomen for our short form story telling series called “Afield”. These episodes are recorded on the river, in the forest, on the mountain and everywhere in between! Some of the best stories are shared while hunting and fishing. We hope these ~10 minute episodes will transport you to the great outdoors, inspire and inform you.  For this episode of “Afield” we invite you to join Jodee Dixon in Hawaii for an archery hunt. Jodee is an ambassador for our partner program, Artemis Sportswomen. She lives in Juneau, Alaska. “Afield” is a special series which we plan to release intermittently through the NWF Outdoors podcast. #hunting #fishing #wildlife #conservation #wildlifeconservation #publiclands #huntingpodcast #fishingpodcast #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories about growing up in a hunting family are always great to hear, and when they begin with “My father didn't let me being a girl change how he raised me,” you know it's going to be fun. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's Amy Snider grew up hunting and fishing in East Tennessee and was about as immersed in the sporting culture of the region as anyone could be. That upbringing served her well during her career both as a Wildlife Officer and a communications and outreach manager with the agency. She was prepared to speak the language of sportsmen, care for the resource and deal with the occasional inappropriate comment from a smallminded hunter or angler.   Suggested Links: https://www.tn.gov/twra.html https://www.amesplantation.org/field-trials Show notes: 2:52 – Bill shares a little background on Amy Snider. 4:17 – The crew shares what they've been doing outside recently. 8:35 – Amy reflects on her upbringing with her father and growing up on a farm. 12:08 – Volleyball, wildlife sciences and the challenges Amy is facing due to the decrease in hunters. 14:13 – Amy talks about her path to working with hunting dogs.  19:29 - Was it difficult to get started as a female game warden? Do people react differently in the field with a male vs. a female game warden? 22:56 – Amy's husband is also a game warden, she shares whether or not they talk about work at home.  26:35 – What entails the typical week of a game warden? 30:43 – Catching poachers by identifying footprints and other clues such as traces of corn 31:26 – Amy shares a moment that ended up being funny but wasn't necessarily funny at the time. 37:12 – Other epic tales of poachers, domestic abuse, drugs, and daily encounters for game wardens like Amy.  39:03 – Bill shares the story of the first time he encountered Amy in the field.  41:26 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Be sure to follow NWF Outdoors and Artemis Sportswomen on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter! *The following time stamps may be incorrect due to advertising* 42:35 - What are some common excuses for poachers when they know they are getting caught? 44:12 - Common things folks get in trouble for without realizing it's illegal. 49:08 – HONESTY IS KEY. Amy shares some insight regarding best practices for sportswomen and sportsmen.  51:49 - What about Amy's past work got her to this current role in communications and outreach? 54:02 – Average day for someone in communications and outreach with TWRA… everything from CWD to boating safety to hunting safety.  56:29 – Some of the upcoming events and changes in Tennessee for turkey and boating safety.  1:02:50 -- What are the fishing guide changes in Tennessee? It's all online! DON'T MOVE THE ALABAMA BASS! 1:04:18 – The biggest challenge is the decrease in hunters and most hunters are over age 50. We need to get more youth into hunting and fishing. 1:07:04 – Amy helped test over 21,000 deer in TN, which is the second highest state in testing and had a little over 800 positive CWD tests. 1:09:13 – Closing statements. Get outside. Enjoy. Be respectful of other users. Be respectful of wildlife. BE SAFE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Kindle sits down with the founders of Sporting Lead Free and the North American Non-Lead Partnership while they were together for a meeting of the key players working to reduce lead on the landscape from hunting and fishing activities. We discuss why we decided to convene at this time with the greatest minds on non-lead hunting and fishing, what the goals of the summit were, and where we hope the movement to reduce lead on the landscape goes from here. Aaron asks about other critters beyond the most well-known stories of poisoning in raptors, about human health impacts, and about ammunition pricing and availability. We also discuss the respective organizations, particularly the newest group on the scene, Sporting Lead Free, and discuss some of the common misconceptions surrounding lead free ammunition. Links: https://www.nwf.org/Outdoors/Our-Work/Lead-Free-Landscapes https://nonleadpartnership.org/ https://sportingleadfree.org/ Show notes: 3:53 – Brayan, Chris, Leland, and Aaron share what they've been doing outside recently, in particular, spreading the word about the voluntarily use of non-lead alternatives in the field. 7:25 – Bryan shares a little background on Sporting Lead-Free. 11:15 – Chris and Leland share a little background on the North American Non-Lead Partnership.  15:25 - The group talks about the event that brought them together in Boise and recent work in the realm of lead-free hunting and fishing. 17:41 – The group chimes in on the material (lead) being the problem. How can we improve the sustainability of the practices by shifting the use of this material in the field? 27:59 – What direction is this lead-free movement heading?  34:15 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Be sure to follow NWF Outdoors AND Artemis Sportswomen on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. *Inserted ads from our hosting platform may affect the time slots below* 35:44 - Talking about the science and its relationship to the lead-free movement.  40:22 – Why do people switch to non-lead alternatives? Performance… Wildlife conservation… Food consumption… 46:58 – “We are all decedents of hunters…”  51:55 - Where else and how else are we going to spread the word so more people will make the switch to non-lead alternatives in the field. 59:35 – Where do we hope to be in ten years?

New York isn't exactly the place the average American thinks of when the topic of raising a sportsman is discussed, but hunting and fishing in northern New York inspired a lifelong love of hunting and angling in Brad Cohen so strong he has made studying several species his life's work…with a little hunting thrown in. In this episode, we discuss the Tennessee Mallard Project he oversees for Tennessee Tech. The team has been trapping wintering mallards in Tennessee for three years, and some of the early findings are shaking up our understanding of how waterfowl move during the hunting season! Suggested Links and social media: Facebook: Cohen Wildlife Lab Instagram: cohenwildlab https://www.cohenwildlifelab.com/ Show notes: 3:08 – Bill mentions the (unfortunate) duck season and introduces Dr. Brad Cohen of Tennesee Tech. 4:17 – The crew shares what they have been doing outdoors recently! Catching a bone fish in Belize, wrapping up duck season, puppy training and hunting pigeons. 7:56 – Brad talks about his childhood and background growing up in New York. Saltwater fishing, deer hunting and wild turkeys. 13:08 – Brad talks about his duck study… What are ducks doing in western Tennessee? What role are these refuges playing on the landscape? What if we try to get the ducks off these refuges – what would happen? 19:30 – Brad explains ducks and nocturnal behavior. Once hunting season starts, most of the time, ducks only fly twice a day. 24:45 – Brad doesn't have any expectations when he does these studies, but he was surprised to learn that in west Tennessee ducks don't fly very far, and 70% of these ducks use one refuge the entire time they are in the area. 30:30 – Brad discusses what we have done as hunters including more money and privatization. 32:00 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen!! Be sure to follow both NWF Outdoors and Artemis on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter! 33:00 - When and where are ducks flying? 35:20 - Does it matter if you are a good duck caller? 38:00 – When things freeze up, do ducks go south? 41:30 – Turns out, ducks that come to Tennessee – stay in the state and will often return should they leave. 45:06 – A few recommendations regarding how we hunt and disturb ducks. 49:22 – Brad shares a few projects he is currently working on right now… working with state agencies to help set seasons. 56:17 - For hunters in Tennessee, is there anything they can do to help Brad and his team? 57:20 – What about how this work ties into national policy? 1:02:54 – Closing statements and suggested resources!

In a world where everyone has a podcast, we are excited to offer you something different. Join NWF Outdoors & Artemis Sportswomen for our short form story telling series called “Afield”. These episodes are recorded on the river, in the forest, on the mountain and everywhere in between! Some of the best stories are shared while hunting and fishing. We hope these ~10 minute episodes will transport you to the great outdoors, inspire and inform you.  For this episode of “Afield” we invite you to Join Ashley Chance for the most epic deer hunt of her entire life. Ashley is the southeast program coordinator for Artemis Sportswomen.  “Afield” is a special series which we plan to release intermittently through the NWF Outdoors podcast. #hunting #fishing #wildlife #conservation #wildlifeconservation #publiclands #huntingpodcast #fishingpodcast #podcast

Jesse Deubel, Executive Director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation joins Aaron Kindle for short discussion following today's (2/27/23) historic decision where the United States Supreme Court declined to review the New Mexico Supreme Court's ruling from last fall that affirmed the right of New Mexicans to walk or wade on the streambeds of water that flows over privately-owned lands. This means that it remains legal to walk or wade New Mexico's streams and cements the victory of public access to those streams. Congratulations to the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and to all the public lands and waters users who will continue to benefit from this decision!  https://nmwildlife.org/us-supreme-court-declines-to-hear-challenge-to-nm-stream-access-ruling/  

In a world where everyone has a podcast, we are excited to offer you something different. Join NWF Outdoors & Artemis Sportswomen for the world premiere of a new short form story telling series called “Afield”. These episodes are recorded on the river, in the forest, on the mountain and everywhere in between! Some of the best stories are shared while hunting and fishing. We hope these ~10 minute episodes will transport you to the great outdoors, inspire and inform you.  For the premiere of “Afield” we invite you to join NWF's director of sporting advocacy, Aaron Kindle, while he removes elk ribs with his son. “Afield” is a special series which we plan to release intermittently through the NWF Outdoors podcast. #hunting #fishing #wildlife #conservation #wildlifeconservation #publiclands #huntingpodcast #fishingpodcast #podcast

NWF Outdoors sends you off into 2023 with some help from our friends, listeners, and colleagues. They share their favorite outdoor memories from 2022 and some even share their favorite NWF Outdoors podcast episode. Enjoy these fun short stories from around the country and we'll see you in 2023! Show notes: Show Notes: 1:30 - Leanne Chadwick shares her favorite turkey hunting experience of 2022. 3:35 – Jesse Deubel of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. 4:15 – Jodee Dixon, Artemis ambassador based in Southeast Alaska. 7:12 – Andrew Black, NWF's public lands field director. 8:56 – Morgan Harrell, Artemis ambassador based in South Carolina. 9:44 – Jason Baldes, NWF's tribal buffalo program manager.  11:24 – Ashlee Smith, sportswomen based in Mississippi. 12:45 -  Lew Carpenter, NWF director of conservation partnerships in the intermountain west. 16:19 – Alyssa Bowen, Artemis ambassador based in Oklahoma. 17:10 – Todd Waldron of the Rough Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society. 20:21 – David Willms, NWF's senior director of western wildlife. 21:10 – Mike McTee of MPG Ranch based in Missoula, Montana. 23:00 – Matthew Waguespack, Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator for Vanishing Paradise. 25:18 – Alec Underwood, senior policy and development director for the Montana Wildlife Federation. 25:25 -  Gary Marz, lifelong angler, BHA board member and podcast listener based in Long Island New York. 28:42 - Dan Ritz of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. 29:33 – Jason Dinsmore, Director of Conservation Partnerships for NWF's Great Lakes Region. 32:33 – Mary Lynn of Light Em Up Kennels based in Eastern Tennessee. 33:19 – Closing statements. Thanks for listening in 2022! We look forward to seeing you in 2023!! Be sure to take our podcast survey: Whatever it is you want to hear from us – we want to know. Fill out our short survey here to share your voice and you'll be entered to win a fantastic roll top soft cooler from our friends at Banded/Avery Outdoors. We appreciate your support and the time you'll spend on the survey.

Bill and Aaron take some time to ponder the year, look back on interesting guests and topics, and look to 2023 changes for the podcast, exciting new products, and how listeners can help. Aaron also chats quickly with Ashley Chance about CWD and what progress has been made since the release of the CWD Chronicles.    Show notes (and links): 0:52 – “We've learned so much! It's been a journey!” 1:52 – Stories from recent outdoor pursuits. 4:33 – Gratitude for hosts, cohosts, and great guests in 2023. 6:00 – We tried a lot of new concepts including the CWD Chronicles and podcast recordings.  9:45 – Feedback, upcoming podcast survey and something to look forward to in 2023. 10:48 – Aaron takes it back to the first episode with both hosts… Greg Fitz from the Wild Steelhead Coalition. Discussing the plight of steelhead, salmon runs, issues regarding the Pacific Northwest and the abundance of fish historically. It's up to anglers for so much of this stuff! 13:07 – Gary Mason! Gary announces live on the show that Bill Cooksey was going to be inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. Bill shares how heartfelt this honor was and how special it was for this announcement to be present while recording the podcast. 15:22 – Warren Coco! Ducks, overalls, and stories with this special person and conservationist. 18:01 -- Ron Rohrbaugh! Author, traditional bow craftsman and someone worth following on social media. 20:15 – Bob Budd! Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and a favorite show for both hosts. 21:15 – Alex Harvey! A wonderful human who is involved in everything. 21:43 – Casey Stemler! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Senior Advisor for Western States. 23:25 – The CWD Chronicles! This special series really unpacked this issue and it's a must listen if you haven't tuned in already. 24:33 - Aaron Kindle and Ashley Chance share an update on the current CWD situation and pending legislation. 29:03 -  Bill Cooksey adds his perspective on CWD after listening to the series. https://www.nwf.org/Outdoors/Our-Work/CWD-Chronicles 30:40 - Where's Ronquest? Jimbo finally made it on the show and didn't disappoint. 32:09 - Jake Latendresse may be the most well-known sportsmen you've never heard of. 34:58 – Senator Martin Heinrich came on the show and spoke about the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. https://www.nwfoutdoors.org/e/the-recovering-america-s-wildlife-act-with-lead-sponsor-senator-martin-heinrich/ 36:50 – Salmon experts came on the show to cover topics from Bristol Bay to the Snake River and everywhere in-between threatened by transboundary mining. 39:53 – Duck podcasts! Bill chats about his waterfowl expert podcast guests Chris Nicolai and Dr. Mike Brasher. 41:46 - From podcasts recorded on location in a fishing boat off the coast of Sitka or touching base with our affiliate in Alaska to conservations with Steve Bowen, Crispin Powley, Chad Hoover, and Rue Mapp. 43:03 - The Return Act discussion with David Willms and Mike Butler. 45:17 – What's coming next? Make sure to take our short survey between Dec 14-Jan 9 for a chance to win a Roll-Top Cylinder Soft Sided Cooler. We are really excited to share our new short-form series, “Afield”. We are unplugging until February so please be sure to catch up on podcasts you have yet to enjoy. We would be incredibly grateful if you could gift us with a rating and written review on whatever podcast platform you listen to. Thanks for listening!!!

Chris Nicolai is a certified “duck nut,” but he's also a waterfowl scientist with a PhD and leads the waterfowl research program with Delta Waterfowl. For this episode, Aaron and Bill to talk duck and goose hunting just as a major front is hitting North America and sending a huge wave of waterfowl south. In addition to waterfowl hunting and this year's migration, we talk about the current state of waterfowl, the confusion surrounding pintails and the future of the birds Chris loves. Links: https://deltawaterfowl.org/ https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/longevity/longevity_main.cfm  (Record ages of wild ducks and geese) https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/live-migration-maps/  (Keep up with bird migrations in real time) Show notes: 3:19 – Bill introduces Chris from Delta Waterfowl. 4:15 – Chris shares what he has been doing outside recently. #DuckHunting  8:58 – Chris chats about heat records and how it changed flight patterns of geese and ducks. 10:36 – Chris was born is Missouri and tells us about his background and how he got into duck hunting. 16:31 – Waterfowl migration is amazing to see. 17:45 - Summary of the status of ducks and geese right now. 23:10 – Studying nest site fidelity. #DuckBiology 26:44 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Be sure to subscribe to their podcast and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 27:50 – Storms, snow on the ground and duck production. What scenario are we looking at right now? 33:39 - Chris talks about pintail numbers. 39:17 - Chris talks about the conversation regarding climate change in the duck hunting world. 45:46 – “It all comes down to habitat, and a lot of those habitat decisions are made at the policy level.” 48:12 – Bill wants to go back to talking about pintails… 54:00 - Chris talks about reporting bands and how it breaks his heart that some folks don't report them. 57:09 – What does the future hold and how do hunters and anglers play a role? 1:00:12 – Closing statements.

Bill and Aaron welcome Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro to talk all things outdoors, Rue's recent journey back into hunting and her new book – Nature Swagger. We hear about Rue's early life and how her father, in particular, shaped her connection with the outdoors and how that led her to found Outdoors Afro. We also talk about Black Heritage Hunts, a unique hunting opportunity Rue co-leads in Northern California. Links: Rue Mapp transformed her kitchen table blog into a national nature business and movement. Today, Mapp is founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. For more than a decade, the not-for-profit organization has continued to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature across the United States. Mapp also is an awarded and inspirational leader, speaker, public lands champion, and published author. Her first national book titled “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” releases with American publisher Chronicle Books on Nov. 1, 2022. Mapp also established for-profit enterprise Outdoor Afro, Inc., in 2021 and launched a co-branded hike collection with REI Co-op in September 2022. Mapp became a National Geographic 2019 Fellow, Heinz Awards Honoree, and National Wildlife Federation Communication Award recipient as well. Her work has earned international media attention from Oprah Winfrey, The New York Times, Good Morning America, NPR, NBC's TODAY, Forbes, and currently Netflix's popular series “MeatEater” with Steven Rinella. Follow her adventures @RueMapp across social platforms! Show notes: 4:01 – Aaron introduces Rue. 5:00 – Rue talks about her father and shares some insight into her path of helping people connect to the outdoors. 8:40 – Rue shares what she has been doing outside recently and what she is looking forward to this winter. She also shares the joy of walking her dog and being present. 9:38 – Bill and Aaron share what they have been doing outside recently. 13:16 -- Rue talks about her introduction and connection to hunting. 16:41 -- Rue explores her “Why”. 18:37 -- She is doing it all. Rue chats about being a hunter who enjoys pursuing all types of game. 23:27 -- Rue makes the connection between regarding her work and turkey hunt with MeatEater. 30:16 – Rue talks about her organization, “Outdoor Afro”. 36:00 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Be sure to subscribe to their podcast follow them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. 38:17 -- Rue reflects on diversity in the hunting community.   40:35 -- How “Outdoor Afro” operates around the country. 46:00 – Community, support networks and making an impact through digital media and outreach. 48:29 -- Are we always going to need affinity group organizations? 50:38 -- Rue talks about “Black Heritage Hunts”. 54:55 – Who comes to these events? (Anyone is welcome to join!) 57:07 – Rue talks about her first book, Nature Swagger. It's available now! 1:00:34 -- Aaron asks, “What was it at this moment that you said, you know I'm going to tell some of these stories, I'm going to bring these folks together, I'm going to tell these now?” 1:03:59 – “There's no book like it that has been written before.” 1:07:36 -- Rue shares her thoughts and advice on the journey of Diversity Equity Inclusive and Environmental Justice efforts for the National Wildlife Federation. “Make new friends, nothing happens faster than the speed of relationships.” 1:12:24 – Closing statements.

Aaron and Bill sit down with Mitch and Jarred, two experts from the great Northwest, to discuss transboundary mining issues. Numerous mines, and one in particular, in British Columbia threaten people, watersheds, and wildlife in Northwest states, including years of salmon recovery and restoration. We discuss the Copper Mountain mine, the potential for a catastrophic disaster that would devastate downstream communities, wildlife, and fisheries. We also discuss the landscape, the history, and the complications of advocating for responsible development across an international boundary. Links:  Reports: https://www.cct-enr.com/copper-mt-mine-bcc Breach animated simulation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgwAsdFLHmo Recording of presentation of simulation study: https://youtu.be/B9jRMCHZwTg Recording of Emerman presentation: https://conservationnw-my.sharepoint.com/personal/tyler_conservationnw_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?ga=1&id=%2Fpersonal%2Ftyler%5Fconservationnw%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FShared%20Media%2FUCUT%20Conference%20%2D%20Resource%20Guide%2FPresentation%20Slides%2F10%20Session%20%2D%20Emmermen%20BC%5FTailings%5FDam%5FCopper%5FMountain%5FRisk%5FPresentation%5FRevised%2Emp4&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Ftyler%5Fconservationnw%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FShared%20Media%2FUCUT%20Conference%20%2D%20Resource%20Guide%2FPresentation%20Slides More resources: https://conservationnw.org/our-work/wildlands/healthy-watersheds-campaign/ Conservation Northwest homepage: https://conservationnw.org/ Colville Tribe homepage: https://www.colvilletribes.com/ Colville Tribe Salmon Reintroduction work: https://www.colvilletribes.com/fish-wildlife Colville Tribe Environmental Trust Copper Mountain Mine BCC : https://www.colvilletribes.com/environmental-trust Show notes: 3:34 – Aaron introduces the guests. 7:24 – Jared shares what he has been doing outside recently. 9:32 – Mitch shares what he has been doing outdoors of late. 13:03 – Jared describes the landscape we are focusing on during this episode. 16:50 – Mitch adds that we are talking about the need and the right for clear, clean, cool, productive rivers that flow across the border. 18:42 – Aaron asks for the description of the fish and wildlife who live on these transboundary rivers. 26:04 – Bill asks for some background on the mines themselves and what makes them such a problem… particularly the Copper Mountain Mine upstream of Princeton, B.C. 30:53 – What are the risks? What are we worried about? What's going to come out of these places if the dams fail. 41:12 – Should we expect these dams to eventually fail? 43:49 – Jared shares the tribal perspective on transboundary mines. 46:35 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Also, be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter! 47:29 -- What do we want right now to safeguard the wildlife and communities downstream? 52:23 -- What can someone listening to this do to help? 58:18 -- What has the B.C. government said as a response? Are they listening? Is anything happening? 1:01:48 – Mitch shares his closing statements. 1:03:47 – Jared shares his closing statements. 1:06:05 – Bill shares his thoughts. 1:06:44 – Aaron closes the show with some wisdom and thank you's.

After tons of travel and scheduling conflicts, Aaron and Bill are together again and joined by the world's biggest promoter of kayak fishing! Retired Naval officer, kayak fishing pioneer, author and television show host Chad Hoover has a lot of experience and a lot to say. From what it was like being a young naval officer on September 11 to starting a tournament organization to getting people involved in hunting and fishing, Chad has always faced uncomfortable things. In fact, getting uncomfortable is now something of a mantra for his view on life. Conservation and growing our sports aren't always easy, but a willingness to face the discomfort is something we all need. https://www.kayakbassfishing.com/ https://www.heliconia.ca/portfolio/chad-hoover-fishing/ Show notes: 3:47 – Bill shares a little background on Chad Hoover. 6:15 – The team shares what they have been doing outside recently. Chad shares his passion for overlanding and shares insight into the various regions of Lousiana. 21:24 - Chad shares what it was like to be serving in the military during 9/11. 30:36 – Chad shares how 9/11 changed his civilian career and the way in which he trains and prepares for fishing. 33:53 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 35:26 – Chad highlights how he got into kayak bass fishing. 51:52 - Chad talks about catch-photo-release and his T.V. shows. 1:02:53 - Chad chats about embracing the hard things in life. 1:25:30 – Closing take home words.  

We are excited to launch a short form story telling series on the NWF Outdoors podcast! We invite you to enjoy the premiere of our “From the Field” series with an episode recorded on board a 90' wooden fishing vessel off the coast of Sitka, Alaska. For this episode, Aaron and Mandela joined the crew of the “North Wind” for a beautiful morning in the harbor and open water off the coast of Southeast Alaska. For this 15 minute interview, Aaron sits down with Robby Bruce, the operator of the "North Wind" -- a 90' boat constructed in 1944. They discuss the fishing season, climate change, Alaskan fisheries, conservation and what a typical day looks like for his crew. Curious where the boat is right now? Check out this live tracker: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:445614/mmsi:367448380/imo:7100316/vessel:NORTHWIND  Show notes: 0:05 – Intro to the show, the boat and Robby. 1:09 – Robby chimes in regarding what he and his crew are up to today on the fishing tender called the North Wind. 3:22 – When does the season begin? 4:35 – Fisheries conservation in Alaska is unique. 5:41 -- Commercial fishing as conservation. 7:19 -- What are fishermen concerned about? Sustainability… 8:34 --  Robby reflects on climate change and his concerns regarding ocean acidification. 9:40 -- What do fishermen think about seasons when the sockeye &/or king salmon are smaller than average? 11:46 -- Robby talks about his boat, crew and operations. 12:54 -- Robby chats about his future and the future of fisheries. 14:58 -- Robby shares some closing words.

Continuing with our newfound love of "from the field" podcasts, we take this one to Florida. Podcast co-host Bill Cooksey attended ICAST (a big fishing industry tradeshow) in July and had the opportunity to sit down with Geoff Mullins from the Everglades Foundation and Captain Chris Wittman from Captains for Clean water to talk about the myriad habitat problems in the Everglades and South Florida and what hunters and anglers can do to help. The region is full of iconic hunting and fishing locations such as Lake Okeechobee and Florida Bay, and waterfowl hunters come from around the country to hunt mottled ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks and fulvous ducks. When most people think about Everglades issues, they think pythons and algae closing down beaches, but there's a whole lot more at stake. Episode links: https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/ https://captainsforcleanwater.org/ https://www.vanishingparadise.org/restoration-solutions/projects?state=florida Show Notes: 1:05-Intro to ICAST. 3:22-What have we been doing lately? 5:15-Geoff explains what Everglades restoration means. 6:47-Chris explains restoration from his point of view as a sportsman. 8:50-What is Captains for Clean Water? 11:35-Geoff, where do sportsmen fit in this puzzle? 13:50-Bill offers his take on the issues. 15:55-Chris talks duck hunting and the impact of declining habitat and restoration. 18:05-Geoff, what is the most critical component at this moment? 21:35-How is the state involved financially with restoration? 23:35-Chris discusses the changes he's witnessed to some bucket list Florida destinations. 29:35-What do the next ten years look like? 31:35-Who are the stakeholders? 38:05-Why is this a national issue? 39:55-What should Florida sportsmen be doing? 42:55-What have we missed? 47:15-Words of wisdom from Geoff, Chris and Bill

Join us for this fun pilot episode of our new “From the Field” podcast series we are beginning to explore. For the past week, our sporting team has been traveling around Southeast Alaska recording interviews with hunters and anglers regarding the endless opportunities and abundance of the region. During this episode, Aaron and Mandela sit on the edge of the Tongas National Forest with Artemis ambassador, Jodee Dixon, and the Executive Director of the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC), Meredith Trainor. We discuss their friendship and connection through hunting, mentorship and Yoga. We learn about the important conservation work SEACC does and the Artemis outreach programs Jodee offers. We also talk about the ways in which their background in mountaineering and whitewater kayaking parallel hunting and fishing. Enjoy this abbreviated podcast pilot episode and let us know what you think. Did you like hearing podcasts recorded in the field? Would you like them to be shorter or longer? What questions would you like to ask our guests? Links: www.seacc.org www.artemis.nwf.org www.nwf.org/gamechanger Show notes: 0:26 – Aaron sets the scene, introduces the guests and the stand-in cohost for this episode. 3:00 – Jodee talks about her passion for seeking and sharing knowledge. How she met Meredith and the transition to teaching Meredith how to hunt. 5:10 – Jodee talks about the different species she and her husband hunt in SE Alaska including Dahl sheep, elk, black bear and Sitka blacktail deer. 7:00 – Meredith talks about how she met Jodee and grew an interest in hunting after being a vegetarian for most of her life. 10:30 – Jodee shares how she got introduced to hunting and the story behind her first big game hunt for Dahl sheep. 14:00 – Jodee is currently teaching Meredith how to hunt. They both chat about how Artemis helped strengthen their connection and the opportunity to bring women together to share wild game and embrace a curiosity of hunting. 18:49 – Jodee and Meredith share how their experiences in whitewater kayaking, Yoga and mountaineering parallel how they approach hunting and fishing. Jodee reflects on single point focus and “forced meditation”. 23:19 – Meredith shares the conservation work she and her team at the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC) focus on. One part of their work is focused on climate action, citizen science and the importance of sharing observations of a changing landscape due to climate change. 27:53 – Alaska is front and center when it comes to a warming climate. Meredith discusses how an increase in 3-6 degrees effects wildlife in Southeast Alaska. 29:40 – Jodee shares her observations and concerns regarding hunting, fishing and climate change in Southeast Alaska. 31:56 – Jodee highlights some of the Artemis outreach opportunities she offers in the region. 32:55 – Closing statements.        

It's late July, and much of the country is in the midst of a heat wave, but Aaron and Bill are back talking ducks with Dr. Mike Brasher from Ducks Unlimited. Waterfowl are both a vocation and advocation for Mike as he's spent his career studying and his free time hunting them. For the last two years, COVID protocols in Canada have prevented the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from conducting the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (known to duck hunters as the BPOP and May Pond Count). This survey is used to set future seasons. The 2022 flights have wrapped up, and Mike is here to help us understand what the initial reports could mean to duck hunters all over the country. And for the first time in several years, there's some positive news! Links: https://www.ducks.org/media/du-podcast https://fws.gov/library/collections/2022-waterfowl-breeding-population-and-habitat-surveys-field-reports And here's a photo page from the folks who actually count the ducks: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pilotbiologist/albums/with/72157706996280821 Show notes: 3:40 – Bill introduces Mike and provides a little insight into his background and what we are going to cover in the show regarding ducks and how ducks are counted. 5:25 – Mike introduces himself with a little more detail. 7:19 – Mike, Bill and Aaron share what they have been doing outside recently. 13:40 – Jumping right into B-POP (Breeding Population Survey) but first, let's clarify that we are not talking about K-POP. 14:21 – What is B-POP and why should duck hunters understand it? 19:13 – Laying out the mechanics of how big the count is, where do they fly and how are we doing with the trajectory of current population counts. 24:27 – Discussing the word “census” and why this count isn't a census. 28:23 – What are the results?! 35:05 – Why have biologists been concerned, drought in the western U.S. and how are the numbers doing down south? 41:27 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for even more great content. 42:20 -- Because the count hasn't happened for a few years, what was the approach this year? 46:39 -- Discussing the scientific approach to climate issues as they relate to duck populations, trajectory, warming trends and droughts. 53:33 -- Discussing the significance of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and recently introduced North American Grasslands Act. How does this legislation relate to natural infrastructure, habitat restoration and resilience. 1:00:23 -- With fresh water and fresh habitat, what does that mean for the productivity of waterfowl? Also, a few reflections on the current count numbers and what that might mean for the upcoming duck hunting season. 1:07:33 – Mike shares some closing statements. 1:10:24 – Ducks Unlimited U.S. and Ducks Unlimited Canada are teaming up soon to do a livestream! 1:12:53 – Bill shares some closing statements. 1:13:18 – Please speak up on behalf of shutting down the Return Act, the swift passage of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act and the North American Grasslands Act. Get engaged, stay engaged and look for folks like Mike for guidance.

Aaron and Bill sit down with David Willms and Mike Butler to discuss the recently introduced the RETURN Act and how it would dismantle the world's most successful conservation program and begin a cascade effect that would set back America conservation in myriad ways. We walk through a refresher on the Pittman-Robertson Act – what it is, how it works, why it is so successful and why we need to protect by all means possible. Then we pivot to the RETURN Act – what it is, why it came about, how terrible it would be for American conservation and why we need to step up to stop it dead in its tracks. Links: https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2022/7-13-22-Dismantling-Pittman-Robertson-Will-Harm-Wildlife https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-federal-proposal-to-gut-wildlife-funding-for-states/id1395671263?i=1000568850775 https://www.wildfowlmag.com/editorial/new-congressional-bill-threatens-pittmanrobertson-act-wildlife-restoration-act/462140?fbclid=IwAR25dzoemzvU-Vm-xJoK1J4g8t6ABZAHrMjr7fClzrzrIFw8Ou92m2czpAE https://tnwf.org/new-bill-would-gut-conservation-funding/ Show notes: 5:08 -  Aaron shares a little background on this episodes guests. 7:56 -  The group shares what they have been doing outside recently. 13:05 – David explains the Pittman-Robertson Act. Why do we have it and what it does? 19:38 – Mike discusses the significance of this legislation in Tennessee alone. 20:36 – What would it look like from state to state if we didn't have the Pittman-Robertson Act? 24:02 - How is it funded? Who pays it? When do they pay it? 26:01 - Mike talks about the North American model of conservation and why Pittman-Robertson is integral to it. 29:31 – David lines out how much conservation funding comes from Pittman-Robertson and how it's growing every year. 33:39 – Highlighting the 2nd Amendment and how it relates. 35:16 – What does the Return Act do exactly? 42:27 – Where did the concept of the Return Act come from? Let's also highlight the conflict of interest at play here… 46:43 – Mike points out some fallacies in the proposed legislation and the press release from Rep. Clyde. 52:35 – It's incredibly rare when a member of congress goes through the active process of removing their name from the list of cosponsors for a proposed bill. This is happening right now with the Return Act. Get informed! Call your congressman.   55:37 – What about the those who might like to see the majority of conservation funding coming from somewhere else besides the sporting community? 59:10 – Closing statements. “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”   “A man who doesn't speak has no advantage over a man who can't – so use your voice.” –Bill Cooksey

Aaron and Bill sit down with lifelong hunter and professional angler Crispin Powley. Crispin is a husband and father who spends hundreds of days afield each year and has hunted waterfowl in 30 states and three countries. He also runs an outdoors ministry at his local church.   Show notes: 3:44 – Bill shares a little background on Crispin and how they met. 5:00 – Crispin, Bill and Aaron share what they have been doing outside recently. Also, Aaron shares a fun update on recent lead-free landscapes field work from our sporting team. 9:10 - Crispin shares a little background on his upbringing. 11:46 – Crispin talks about how he got into the outdoor industry. 16:40 - Crispin chats about his role at Stratus and what it was like to work with so many famous people. 23:47 – Crispin tells us about his transition to working with GSM. Also, what does that stand for? 33:20 – Crispin talks about expanding past bass fishing. What other species are they after? 35:45 - Crispin's shares his top fishing spots (then and now). Can you believe it?! 47:25 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on social media for more great content!! 50:00 - Crispin talks about his conservation realm and explains how the industry is looking at current conservation challenges. 57:26 - Crispin talks about what happened on Kentucky Lake regarding bass fishing over the past decade. 1:07:38 – Crispin shares some words of wisdom regarding the future of bass fishing and conservation. 1:11:43 – Parting words. 

Aaron and Bill sit down with the 2021 Orvis Conservationists of the Year, owner of Alaska Sportsmen's Lodge, and renowned Bristol Bay conservationist Brian Kraft. Brian has spent nearly 20 years working to stop the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay from ever becoming a reality. The EPA recently announced another comment period regarding prohibiting discharge of dredge or fill materials. If the latest effort is successful, the Pebble Mine would again be halted. We talk to Brian about how he got into the lodge operating and fishing guide service, the incredible fishing and wildlife resources of Bristol Bay including 30” rainbow trout, how he first learned of the proposed mine, and his work to keep the mine away from the area that produces nearly half of all the planet's salmon. And last, we pivot to permanent protection and how we can end the threats of large-scale mining in Bristol Bay once and for all. Links: EPA link to comment portal https://www.epa.gov/bristolbay/public-comments-and-hearings-2022-proposed-determination EPA link describing comment process https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-protect-bristol-bays-salmon-fishery-subsistence-fishing-alaska-natives Video of Brain and his family talking about the values in Bristol Bay https://www.fishasl.com/hold-the-line-bristol-bay-alaska/ Video announcing Brian as Orvis Conservationist of the Year https://vimeo.com/538850163 Conservation Organization Resources on Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine https://www.savebristolbay.org/ https://stoppebbleminenow.org/ Brian's lodge website https://www.fishasl.com/ Show notes: 3:58 – A little background on Brian. 5:35 – Brian, Aaron and Bill share what they have been doing outside recently. 9:20 - Brian provides a brief overview of the scale and scope of Bristol Bay and the surrounding area… The “breadbasket of fisheries” the bounty there is mindboggling! 47% of the world's salmon comes from here! 16:50 - Brian talks about how he got into running fishing lodges in Bristol Bay without any prior experience. 25:55 - Brian takes us through a day on the water with his clients in Alaska… they're catching 22-26” rainbow trout on the fly! 30:38 - What is the average size range of the rainbow trout up there? 32:53 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. For more great content, be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 34:45 - Brain shares a little background on how we got to where we are at now regarding the threat of the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay. This has been a team battle! 56:29 – How do we get permanent protection? Where would the relief money come from that would be used for the Federal Government to purchase land that is now part of the state of Alaska? What are other options including land swaps, etc. 59:19 - What should folks be telling the EPA right now and how can we help with the permanent solution? “This is the wrong place for this type of development. Salmon runs are irreplaceable and provide food for the world. Let's not replace one resource with another.” 1:04:07 – Parting words from Brian, Bill and Aaron. “I didn't inherit this land and these fisheries from my ancestors. I'm borrowing it from my children. It's my responsibility to make sure that it's in better shape for them to use and enjoy. We need to do the right thing. There are right places to do things like this and wrong places – and this is definitely the wrong place.” –Brian Kraft. 

If you love bass fishing, this is the episode for you. Our guest today is Steve Bowman, and when it comes to bass fishing, conservation and tournament angling, he's definitely the guy you want to hear from. From being a member of The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame to his work as manager of Bassmaster.com tournament coverage and BASS Manager of Angler Relations, he's in the mix. His career and work are interesting, but it's when he tells the story of making his first rod from an old car antenna to which he attached drink can pop-tops for guides and a Zebco reel he spent the summer mowing yards to buy when this show goes to the next level. The antenna rod comes back to mind when Steve tells how an African American kid in Little Rock changed his life and how he views the outdoors. Show links: https://www.bassfishinghof.com/inductee/steve-bowman https://www.bassmaster.com/ https://www.wired2fish.com/w2f-slide/steve-bowman https://www.waterfowlerhof.com/ Show notes: 4:31 – Bill, Aaron and Steve share what they've been up too outside recently. Cue the turkey hunting, bass fishing and shed hunting! 9:20 - Steve shares a little background on his childhood, a heartfelt story or two and his earliest memories of fishing with a stick and a string and the adventure of converting an antenna into a fishing rod so he could fish at the pond near his house. “So here's a kid that's right on the verge of going into a gang or going fishing… and he's taking the opportunity to go fishing.” 22:37 – Steve continues his discussion on the importance of providing fishing opportunities for every angler. He goes on to discuss high school and college bass fishing programs and the importance of investing in opportunity. 27:56 – Steve talks about how he grew up saying he wanted to hunt and fish for a living. He chats about how he got into journalism and taught himself to write after saying to his boss, “I'll do anything you want me to do, just ever ask me to write.” 30:57 - Steve shares an inspiring duck hunting story that changed the direction of his life. 33:35 – Steve talks about the time they wanted to channel the White River. 37:00 - Discussing wildlife management and past deer situations in Arkansas. 39:13 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. For more great content, be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!! 40:05 – Bill brings it back to storytelling and salesmen. Steve talks about his late friend, Ray Scott, and his profound impact on hunting and fishing in the U.S. as well as international bass fishing. 44:05 - The evolution of “catch and release” in our country. 47:16 -  Aaron brings it back to the connection between conservation and opportunity. 51:36 – Bill brings up the topic of fishing with pro anglers and a few things that weekend anglers can pick up from observing these professionals in action. 55:55 – Lots of professional bass fishing professionals were athletes prior… Also a mention of Tom Brady, duck hunting and duck habitat. 59:03 – Bill brings it back to Vanishing Paradise and Steve's involvement in a conservation issues that sportsmen and sportswomen need to know about. 1:02:12 – Steve discusses a few conservation issues in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. 1:05:15 – Closing statements.  “Just realize that a greater entity created all this, rather than a core of engineers…” -Steve Bowman  

Aaron and Bill revisit salmon conservation in the northwest in advance of nationwide day of action asking for immediate action and the removal of the four Snake River dams. We sit down with Brian Brooks, the executive director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, Aaron Lieberman, the executive director of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. We talk salmon conservation broadly, the history of salmon issues in the Northwest and how we got to this point, the recent processes to address the issues surrounding dam removal and salmon recovery, how the Snake River system dams are different from dams in places like Tennessee, and how the sporting community can engage to save this iconic species from extinction. Links: General LinksCongressman Simpson's leading page on the CBI: https://simpson.house.gov/salmon/  Inslee Murray Study site (including comment links): https://www.lsrdoptions.org  White House Press release (3/18/22) re: Dams/Fish/Tribes: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/news-updates/2022/03/28/columbia-river-basin-fisheries-working-together-to-develop-a-path-forward/  Idaho Wildlife Federation links:https://idahowildlife.org/ https://idahowildlife.org/news/salmonsteelhead-campaign-enters-new-stage-of-momentum https://idahowildlife.org/news/nw-energy-coalition-lower-snake-river-dams-can-be-removed https://idahowildlife.org/news/bpa-funded-study-states-salmonsteelhead-recovery-only-likely-if-dams-breached Donate to IWF: https://secure.everyaction.com/7bVn-yO2r0SFdf7WGFzk6A2 IOGA Links:IOGA's Action Page: https://ioga.org/the-columbia-basin-initiative/ Alternatively, here's a link directly to the Out of Idaho action form: https://actnow.io/EdVJdCS  Link to Donate in Support of IOGA's advocacy for Idaho Salmon & Steelhead: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SY9ZJ352VZMYE  Link to sign up for IOGA's newsletter to stay in the loop on the work: Subscribe  Show notes: 3:55 – A little background on both guests. 5:14 – What have these gentlemen been doing outdoors recently? Gobble gobble… 10:54 – Jumping into why we are here – SALMON!! 11:33 – Brian Brooks shares a salmon adventure story. 14:03 – Aaron shares a salmon story that he enjoys sharing with his clients on the river. 15:46 – After a long intro, we get down to the big questions: WHY ARE WE HERE? HOW BAD IS IT? WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT? 19:28 - What these dams do. Where they are at. How they constrict fish movements. An overview of the multiple factors which are affecting these fish runs. 25:35 - The journey back to Idaho… salmon become tanks! 27:27 – Well, why the Snake River dams? 30:15 – Aaron shares how the low salmon returns affect his lifestyle as a fly fishing and rafting guide. 36:01 – Brian highlights the importance of the Chinook Salmon season for the small town of Riggins, Idaho. 37:51 – Aaron H. brings up somethings to consider regarding outdoor recreation and the connection between the economy in Idaho and the U.S. 41:25 - Picking apart what removing the dams would entail. 42:47 – What is the difference between removing dams in places like Tennessee versus removing the four lower Snake River dams? 47:34 – “This should be a no brainer…” 49:30 – “Both the heartening thing and also the deeply frustrating thing about this particular issue is we can do at least the primary thing we need to do in order to restore salmon and steelhead; and we can do so without negatively impacting the people who are most dependent on the current system.” 51:12 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Please be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more great content! 53:07 – Unpacking the details regarding the Simpson plan, the solution and five things the sporting community and others can do to work together and get this done.  56:22 – The three realities in Simpson's plan.  57:47 - The investments and assurances that are necessary in order to seed all three components of the plan. 1:01:37 – Top level components that still need to be addressed.  1:03:15 – How would they remove the dams? $1.5 billion to breach all four dams. 1:04:45 - What can people do to help? If you're in the northwest, REACH OUT TO YOUR SENATORS. “At the end of the day, it's a taxpayer issue…” This process 1:09:46 - Figuring out how to replace the benefits of the dams. 1:12:24 - At the end of the day we are going to have to deal with this issue as a nation. It will have to be an act of Congress. We are at the first few steps of leaving part A in this plan. 1:17:45 - We want legislation, right? 1:19:19 - We should dream big. “This could be the biggest restoration project in human history, we can forestall the extinction of a key stone species.” 1:21:23 - Getting these dams down is just the start, we will still have more work to do. This is an ongoing project.  1:23:10 - Closing statements.   “This could be the biggest restoration project in human history, we can forestall the extinction of a key stone species.”

Aaron and Bill sit down with Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico to discuss the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA) - what it is, what it aims to accomplish, and what we need to do to get I passed. Senator Heinrich is the leading sporting advocate in Congress and has worked diligently on numerous pieces of conservation legislation. We cover his perspectives of RAWA, how it will help state agencies, the opportunities to mitigate wildfire and its impacts, and his opinion that RAWA will be “the most impactful wildlife conservation investment in U.S. history”. Senator Heinrich has also been a champion on combating CWD. We ask him for an update on the Senate companion legislation to the passed House version of the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act. Links: NWF Outdoors Recovering America's Wildlife Act action alert – email your Member of Congress here: https://support.nwf.org/page/39420/action/1?fbclid=IwAR32AQFGFCHRenhBbDzEtHB9vBVXrb9T0PURcT9pv6kDfyweoSLgBckvSBo RAWA bill text: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2773 More details on RAWA: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Policy/Recovering-Americas-Wildlife-Act Our recent sporting blog on RAWA: https://www.nwf.org/Outdoors/Blog/03-23-2022-Bipartisan-Wildlife-Bill-Will-Benefit-Hunters-Anglers House version CWD bill text: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5608 Show notes: 2:39 – Little background on Senator Martin Heinrich. “The sporting community's  biggest champion in Congress.” 3:27 – What has Senator Heinrich been doing outside recently? 5:44 - Senator Heinrich talks about Recovering America's Wildlife Act. “…the wildlife version of the Great American Outdoors Act” 8:23 – Why should the sporting community support this? 11:24 – “This is the number one agreed upon focus for benefiting wildlife in this Congress, and the sporting community in particular has stepped up in a way that's allowed us to move this forward and keep it incredibly bipartisan during a divided time in our country. Wildlife is something that brings us back together…” 12:36 - Senator Martin Heinrich reflects on what the early advocates for wildlife went through a century ago in places like New Mexico… highlighting elk, mule deer, pronghorn and wild turkey. Expressing hope that our grandkids inherit the same amazing breath of wildlife that folks took for granted when they grew up. 15:28 - How much latitude will state agencies will have when they spend the money provided by Recovering America's Wildlife Act? Turns out, the actual program is built completely by each individual state agency. Please note: States all have what are called state wildlife action plans, if you are interested for your state be sure to google “(your state) wildlife action plan” 17:06 – Senator Heinrich points out -- the current programs which support these state wildlife action plans are completely inadequate to implement them. The need outstrips the support. RAWA would allow the agencies to implement these plans. 18:01 – “What the catch? There's gotta be a catch? Nothing can be this perfect…” Right now, sportswomen and sportsmen have a lot of input with state agencies because their dollars fund the agencies. Will this change when the states have additional funding? 21:04 – Shout out to our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. For more great content, please be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 22:48 - Senator Heinrich talks about how Recovering America's Wildlife Act will help with natural infrastructure and wild fires.   26:14 – Continuing discussion the benefits that stack up when you restore habitat for one small song bird in a wetland… restoration like this benefit's multiple species (including hunters and anglers). 27:07 - Senator Heinrich talks twenty years down the road with Recovering America's Wildlife Act, highlighting the importance of restoring riparian habitat for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, song birds and the sporting community. 29:46 - What do we need to do to get this across the finish line? 30:50 - Senator Heinrich talks about the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act being introduced into the Senate. 32:21 - Senator Heinrich shares statement about the importance of passing Recovering America's Wildlife Act. “Reach out to your house member and both of your senators and say this is good policy. This is good for our sporting communities. This is good for wildlife. It's bipartisan. Let's get this thing done.”  

In the final episode of the CWD Chronicles, we bring back Matt Dunfee from the Wildlife Management Institute to put a bow on the series, help us affirm good information, throw away bad information, respond to listener questions, and look to the future of managing and living with CWD. Links: CWD Chronicles FULL SHOW ARCHIVE: https://www.nwf.org/Outdoors/Our-Work/CWD-Chronicles Recent and Ongoing CWD Research and Management Projects: https://cwd-info.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CWD-RESEARCH-SUMMARIES-MASTER-6-29-21.pdf CWD in North America: https://cwd-info.org/map-chronic-wasting-disease-in-north-america/ Carcass Importation Regulations: https://cwd-info.org/state-and-province-carcass-import-regulations/ CWD-Related Hunting Regulations: https://cwd-info.org/cwd-hunting-regulations-map/ Show notes: 5:14 – Aaron shares a little background on Matt for those who didn't catch episode one. 6:34 – Quick overview of previous topics covered in the CWD Chronicles Episodes 1-5. 9:18 – Ashley shares a few other things that we hope to look at as we wrap up this series. *A few take-aways from previous episodes: Get tested. Support intensive management actions when necessary. Don't congregate animals. 11:53 – Within the past six months, we have four new states with CWD positive tests! 13:09 – Matt reflects on the broader picture which has been reinforced over this series. “The first one is never the first one, we find this disease as we test more for it.” 17:00 – Aaron chips in that in this episode we are highlighting questions from our listeners. 19:05 – First listener question from John Matis in Loveland, CO. John says: I'd like to know why all the deer aren't dead?  If chronic wasting disease is so contagious, and results in 100% fatalities, then why haven't all the deer and elk died? Or is there genetic selection taking place, where the animals are developing immunity or resistance to the disease? Why not let natural selection take place?  21:57 – Can a fawn be born CWD positive? Ashley points out that younger populations have other implications beyond just total numbers. 24:50 – Second listener question from Gary Maerz in Westbury, NY. Gary asks: Have state agencies considered a program that allows the issuance of additional tags if a hunter harvests a CWD positive deer, after verified by testing? 29:08 – Third listener question from Austin Moon in Cheyenne, WY. Austin asks: Why is CWD more prevalent in deer than in other ungulates? 34:07 – Fourth listener question from Sarah Mueller in Pennsylvania. Sarah says: We are just now on the edge of the CWD zone, should I get my deer tested? Can I eat the meat if it's CWD positive? I'm nervous about using my good knives to butcher if I get prions that will never come off on them. Other states have lived with CWD for years but Pennsylvania is pretty new – how do I navigate this? 38:00 – Ashley asks about the potential of prions penetrating the handles of her knives. 39:00 – Aaron asks if we, as a sporting community, should just take on as a sporting community that everyone should get tested 100% of the time. 43:22 – Should we be testing pronghorn if they are harvested in a CWD hot zone given the fact that the disease has been documented to jump species? “When nothing is sure, anything is possible.” 45:43 - Unpacking the logistics of universal testing. Meaning that every cervid out there is tested. 54:50 - What if every research project out there at any given point could take a tiny “punch” sample from their ears for surveillance and tracking disease distribution. 1:00:47 - How can the nonsporting public engage in the issues regarding CWD? Taking a look at the North American model of wildlife conservation. 1:05:50 - It seems like there's not really an end point in sight. Matt discusses some simple things to consider regarding wildlife conservation, getting involved, hunting with CWD on the mind, etc. “This is your heritage. Treat it as such.” 1:07:34 - Pointing to the future, looking at a crystal ball, where are we at in 20 years? 1:12:46 - How can we bridge the gap of being in it 100% or just putting the blinders on because folks are bored of dealing with CWD. “Rather than getting angry and just calling someone an idiot, let's get curious and say where did you get that perspective… let me listen to yours so you will listen to mine. We know as humans that gets us a lot more ground than shame, gilt or ridicule.” 1:15:30 – Closing statements from Ashley and Aaron. “If everyone would listen to this podcast series, I think we would get where we need to go. This is definitely a long form conversation and I think at the end of this if folks do take the time to listen to the whole thing, they can come to a good solid perspective on not just CWD but a lot of other things.” -Matt Dunfee, the Wildlife Management Institute

Jake Latendresse may be the most well-known sportsmen you've never heard of. He's one of the nation's finest hunter/angler videographers and has produced content for some of the biggest companies and organizations in the world. You see his work on Bassmaster every weekend and on videos and television shows from myriad entities, and it's there because Jake had the courage to live his dreams. As a bar owner, videographer/producer and owner of Prairie Rock Outfitters, there's no doubt he's a driven entrepreneur, but Jake's comments about childhood and conservation are what left Aaron and Bill speechless. Links: https://www.bassmaster.com/news/have-camera-will-travel-for-latendresse/ http://lmcollective.com/about/ https://youtu.be/pS7bwj9pwlw https://prairierockoutfitters.com/ Show notes: 3:27 – “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” 3:38 – Bill gives some background on Jake Latendresse, the guest for the show. 6:12 – Everyone shares what they've been doing outside recently. 7:50 – Jake reflects on the recent below freezing weather events, “It was one of the most extreme weather conditions that we've ever had in the Great Lakes…” 8:49 – Jakes gives an update on the recent happenings in his life. 9:53 - Jakes shares how many events he films per year, relating the “Bass Master” events to a full football season. 11:29 – How does Jake balance all the things he does in addition to being a single dad. 14:18 - How Jake got started and established in sporting media and an early interest in art and photography. 22:00 - Was being fulltime in the outdoors something Jake dreamed about as a kid? (plus: Jake shares a very special story for the first time ever, it's a heartfelt story about what happened one time when he couldn't go hunting with this father. His father never left him home during a hunting trip ever again.) 25:21 - At what point did Jake break through and become a sportsman? 29:39 - A day in the life of Jake capturing the “meat” of events all over the world. 34:30 - Jake talks about what the day is like and the relationships that form when he gets in a boat with a pro angler. 37:30 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 38:58 - Jake chats about some of his other film projects he has done around the world starting with a sheep hunt in Mongolia. 44:28 – How did Jake meet Bill? 45:12 - Horse incident while hunting stone sheep hunt in B.C. 48:04 – “I carry an expedition medical kit wherever I go…” 52:47 - Jake talks about his father and the Gov. of Tennessee working together. 55:12 – Conservation! Mentorship! When and how did Jake get involved with conserving resources. “My dad pushed conservation on me pretty hard from a very young age.”  59:56 - What advice would Jake give to kids who have a similar dream of following the path he took in life. “Don't force your children to do what you want them to do, support what they want to do. Allow them to be free and go down the road.” “Never give up.” 1:04:07 - Shout out for the video project that Bill and Jake are working on in the Everglades. Be sure to follow NWF Outdoors and Vanishing Paradise to see more!! “Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to understand what their great outdoors are all about.” -Jake Latendresse-    

After a month of tech issues and time conflicts, Aaron and Bill finally get together with Jim Ronquest of RNTV. Jimbo outlines his 21/22 duck season experiences from both home and on the road filming the show before moving to the timely topic of turkeys. After decades of population growth, many regions are experiencing declines, and we learn how Turkeys for Tomorrow is trying to find out why. It's a lot to unpack, and then Jimbo drops a bomb on us! Links: https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/ https://rntcalls.com/ https://www.drakewaterfowl.com/ https://www.nwf.org/-/media/PDFs/Outdoors/NWF_GameSpeciesAnalysis_Report_Final Show notes: 4:18 – Aaron, Bill and Jim discuss what they've been doing outside lately. 8:00 – Talking the beginning of turkey season! 10:30 -- Jim talks about his upbringing and early years as a sportsman. “It was raining pitch forks and tater babies…” 17:14 -- Jim rounds up duck season. 21:27 – Shout out to Jim's show, “RN T.V.” on the Sportsman Channel. Other than Ducks Unlimited, it is the longest running dedicated waterfowl show on outdoor T.V. 23:13 – Bill reflects on the first year he went turkey hunting with Jim almost twenty years ago.  25:40 – Jim discusses Turkeys for Tomorrow: Promoting America's hunting traditions, conservation, and education through the timeless collaboration of hunters and wildlife professionals to ensure we all have TURKEYS FOR TOMORROW. 38:15 -- What are the known turkey conservation issues? #HabitatLoss 41:57 – Aaron shares some critical stats regarding the loss of turkey habitat in a few states. 44:14 – Jim talks about how much he enjoys the transition from duck season to turkey season. 44:58 – Quick break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 46:42 -- Jim talks about a research project he would like to have done regarding the use of chicken litter and fertilizer on pastures potentially causing disease. 50:07 – Jim reflects on hunters' response to Turkeys For Tomorrow. 53:52 – “If you're able, we need more than to just buy a license. That's the bare minimum for conservation… “ If you don't have money, perhaps you have time to volunteer. 54:50 – Jim highlights the unique model for wildlife management in North America. 55:30 – How long has Jim been on RN T.V.? 56:55 – JIM SHARES SOME BIG NEWS!! 1:00:17 – Jim talks about hunting with some of the Bass Elite guys during duck season. “I fish so I can go duck hunting…” 1:02:50 – Keep an eye out for Jim's upcoming Climate Chronicle short film by making sure you're following NWF Outdoors on social media!

In this episode Aaron and Ashley talk with Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin. Representative Kind discusses how he came to understand the weight of CWD and eventually become a champion for it in Washington D.C. We cover what the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act is, it's current status, how it could impact states' ability to manage the disease, and the boost it would give to researchers' efforts to develop new science and tools like a live test for CWD! Links: Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Show notes: 4:33 – Rep. Ron Kind talks about his background as a bow hunter growing up in Wisconsin, his family farm where they hunt whitetail and pheasant, how he got into politics and how he got involved with Chronic Wasting Disease. 6:58 – Rep. Kind talks about 2002 when CWD was first detected in Wisconsin. 10:15 --  Rep. Kind is asked whether or not he has ever harvested a deer which has tested positive for CWD. 12:31 -- Discussing the fact that CWD will be handled at the state level and the CWD Research and Management Act will provide funding directly to states and Tribal management agencies. 14:15 – Rep. Kind shares some of the frustrations he has experienced as a hunter trying to test the deer he has harvested. He gives an overview of the CWD Research and Management Act and the end goal. 16:04 -- How is this bill different than previous attempts at trying to control the disease? 18:10 -- What is Rep. Ron Kind telling other Senators and collogues who need to get moving on this Bill right now? 20:24 -- Rep. Kind brings us back to the moment when he realized CWD was a major problem. 23:55 -- What are the lessons that other states can learn from Wisconsin? “Don't be afraid of testing, just because you're not testing doesn't mean it is not there.” 25:13 -- What will be entailed in the review of the herd certification standards which are currently in place? 27:13 -- Discussion regarding the potential and importance of a live test for CWD. 28:35 -- How do we smooth out the dips in the funding cycle for this Bill? It would be great if it was eradicated within six years but we need to be realistic as we look forward on the next iteration of this bill and (maybe) an eventual permanent authorization on this. 30:38 -- What does the average hunter needs to think about and what actions should they be taking to stay engaged and keep this movement. 33:07 -- Rep. Kind discusses the decline of hunters and fewer youth being involved with hunting and fishing. He highlights that this is another issue we need to address as hunters and anglers are some of the most powerful conservationists out there. 35:13 – Update as of 03/23/2022 regarding the CWD Research and Management Act. Be sure to get engaged by following NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—where you can access action alerts and timely updates regarding CWD and many other hunting and angling conservation issues we are working on. Thanks!

Aaron and Bill have an interesting chat with Casey Stemler, the lead for Secretarial Order 3362. S.O. 3362 was issued during the Trump Administration but continues to this day. It is aimed and conserving and resourcing big game migration corridors. It has already helped infused millions of dollars into migration areas and connectivity projects. We discuss how and why the order came to be, it's latest status, why no sheep and moose, and other lessons learned on the conservation of migration corridors.  Links: https://wafwa.org/so3362/ https://westernmigrations.net/ https://wildlifemigration.utah.gov/ https://migrationinitiative.org/ Show notes: 3:00 - Aaron shares a little of Casey's background and recent work regarding wildlife corridors. 5:00 – What the crew has been doing outside recently. 6:54 – Sika deer! 9:52 – Latest news on SO 3362 (Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors). 13:34 – What exactly is wildlife migration and connectivity work? Why does it matter? Plus, some good stories regarding the amazing stuff they have learned doing this work. 20:46 – The focus of state agencies collaring animals, miniature vs. large skill migration routes, technology and what this focus reveals to us about what these critters do and what they need.  25:22 – 3362 is focused on deer, elk and pronghorn. 27:26 – We know that pronghorn don't like fences; will they also avoid railroad tracks? 30:50 – This work benefits more species than just deer, elk and pronghorn. 35:06 – The infrastructure bill and how much it will benefit habitat connectivity. 37:13 – Short break for message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Also, for more great content, be sure to follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 38:53 -- Casey brings folks up to speed on 3362 regarding habitat conservation, due diligence, and the introduction of bighorn sheep, moose and migratory birds as species to consider. 45:16 – Habitat work regarding ducks and duck hunting. 48:07 -- Corporation with private land owners within 3362. 50:55 -- Do large chunks of area (i.e. 5,000 acres) present new problems compared to working with smaller ones? 52:00 -- Discussing other developments that are happening parallel to this which is helping move it along. 55:39 – The Tribal Wildlife Corridors Act. 58:17 – Discussing the diverse habitat projects on the border between Colorado and New Mexico and NWF rock star, Jeremy Romero. 1:00:06 – The Southern Ute Tribe is very engaged in these conservation efforts including building an overpass. 1:01:51 -- Suggestions for people on how to keep up with these issues on a local level. Skip the social media and go back to the good stuff by supporting your local newspaper and gatherings in your community! 1:04:41 -- Closing thoughts from Casey, “We have to take the initiative.” “With privilege comes obligation. We've got this amazing natural resource, this wildlife... especially as sportsmen and women, we get to go enjoy it and bring it home and feed our our families… Go take care of it.” –Aaron Kindle.

Aaron and Ashley talk interstate borders, barriers to management, and the financial and emotional toll that CWD can take on state wildlife agencies. Kelly speaks poignantly on the issue of chronic wasting disease and offers a unique perspective informed by her background as a wildlife veterinarian and manager of an entire state wildlife section. We even ask her about the “E” word! Links: MN DNR CWD Response Plan https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/cwd/cwd-response-plan.html AFWA CWD Best Management Practices https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/5215/3729/1805/AFWA_CWD_BMPS_12_September_2018_FINAL.pdf Show notes: 2:51 – Introduction on Dr. Kelly Straka, Wildlife Section Manager for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  4:10 – Kelly talks about her career path to working with CWD. 7:10 – Kelly frames the issue with CWD from the perspective of state agencies. “CWD might be the most pressing issue facing cervid populations across the country right now.” 10:40 - The barriers to effective management of CWD. 17:11 - How hunters can help or hinder efforts to manage CWD. 23:29 - The Federal – State intersection of CWD. The regulatory and jurisdiction issues that have a bearing on how we deal with CWD. 33:15 - Minnesota's approach and how it got us to where we are today. 39:07 - Minnesota's response plan, management applications in different zones and various strategies. 43:10 – The “E” word! 48:21 - If we cannot eradicate CWD, how do we live with it in the future? 52:57 - The challenges around CWD surveillance and how hard it is to detect the disease when it is present in low numbers. 58:13 - What do the agencies wish the public knew about CWD management? 1:00:44 - What is one thing that could have been done differently? 1:03:33 - Closing statements. Stay engaged, stay aware, stay involved. Please take a moment to rate the podcast and write us a review! Thanks for listening!

Aaron and Bill sit down with forester, sportsman, and conservationist Alex Harvey to discuss a life rooted to the outdoors, hunting, and land management and restoration. We cover Alex's family roots and hunting traditions while he helps us understand and unpack several historical and social contexts regarding Southern African American sporting traditions, barriers to land management and ownership, and how the tide is changing for the better. We tell hunting stories, share laughs, and ponder all the great ways hunting and the outdoors unite all people. Links: https://www.legacylandmanagement.org/ ; https://www.huntersofcolor.org/ ; https://www.instagram.com/legacylandmgmt/ ; https://www.facebook.com/LegacyLM Show notes: 4:54 – Introduction of Alex Harvey. 5:15 – What has Alex, Aaron and Bill been doing outside recently? 9:48 - Alex's personal background. Where he grew up in Mississippi, cattle farming and growing up in the country #RabbitHunting 18:55 - Alex shares the story of his grandparents and reflects on his connections with ancestors and being on the right path. 24:05 - Highlighting Holt Collier, the hunter who influenced Theodore Roosevelt during a private bear hunt in 1902. 27:00 - Alex shares how he got to where he is today and then highlights his professional work as of right now. 34:01 - Alex shares some of the unique challenges for African American land owners in the South. 37:03 – Has Alex seen an improvement? 39:44 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 41:02 – Thoughts on forestry restoration, management and what it's like to think about forests 24/7. 44:38 - Alex's introduction to Hunters of Color and how he became a board member. 53:12 - Alex shares his experiences as an African American man in the field. 59:13 – What is going on in Alex's region? Much of it is involved with improving habitat and access for hunters and anglers. 1:00:35 – Closing statements.

Ashley and Aaron talk with Kip Adams about how hunting traditions can impact chronic wasting disease. Kip is the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association and very well-versed in both the science and culture of deer hunting. He lends a unique and optimistic perspective on what sportswomen and men can do to in their backyards and at a state level to slow the spread. Links: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Resource Center - A comprehensive guide from NDA (deerassociation.com) https://www.deerassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CWD-BMPs-Revised-2022.pdf Show notes: 2:54 – Introduction of Kip Adams. 3:50 - The short and sweet of the National Deer Association, “The Guardians of the Deer” who are they and what do they do? 5:18 - It's important to serve both sides of the coin, both hunters and deer. 6:23 - Kips professional opinion regarding CWD. “The biggest thing impacting the future of deer herds right now.” 7:54 - Words of wisdom for folks who hunt and live in states who have yet to test positive. “Do everything possible to keep it out.” 9:03 - What are the most important steps we can take to stop the spread of CWD? 10:43 – NDA's specific approach in the fight against the spread of CWD. 12:47 - If only 4% of the population purchases a hunting license, how do we activate the other 96%? 15:50 - Bringing the hunter knowledge of the landscape to other conservation issues. 17:32 - The cost of testing, staff time to collect samples, outreach, etc. is a hidden cost that we don't talk about a lot. It costs an average of $250,000 bill when they discover CWD in a state! 19:28 - How to inform hunters tactfully as to how they might want to change their behaviors in order to stop the spread. Changing our routine is hard but we have to do it in order to stop the spread of CWD. 23:02 - Deer hunting has changed a lot over the past two hundred years. There's room for new traditions to be made, it's not impossible to change. 25:14 - What should we be doing regarding traditions such as feed stations, salt licks and other forms of baiting deer. 27:50 - Should we have a widespread ban on feeding and other forms of baiting deer? 30:02 - Reflecting on the concept that we should be all hands on deck in fighting to prevent the spread. Finding balance with sporting traditions and age structures when it comes to older bucks. “Older bucks are twice as likely to have CWD.” 38:56 - Targeted removals and how various hunters might process this concept depending on their background and experience regarding CWD. 41:53 - NDA's thoughts on captive cervids and interstate travel of cervids. “We should stop all movement of live animals.” 44:37 - What are the road blocks to making this happen. 47:10 - What can average Joe/Jane do regarding CWD? 48:48 - What is the single biggest thing that NDA has done to prevent CWD? 50:58 - What's the one thing that should have been done different and what can we learn from this. 52:17 - There are a lot of resources out there where you can learn more about CWD. Be sure to educate yourself and get engaged. Kip is a firm believer that we are going to beat this.

Aaron and Bill host Bob Budd to wax on the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which utilizes a unique model to conduct habitat and restoration projects across Wyoming. These projects help restore and enhance the lands and waters that sportsmen and women from Wyoming and across the country have the privilege to enjoy. The Wyoming state legislature is currently considering adding $75 million to the fund, which will then be leveraged to create about $50 million annually to conduct this excellent work in perpetuity. For one of the least populated and most wildlife rich states in the country, this is an exceptional resource that also benefit all Americans who visit. You don't want to miss Bob's keen mind, exuberance, and enthusiasm for Wyoming's incredible natural resources.  Links:  https://wwnrt.wyo.gov/home https://wyomingwildlife.org Show notes: 5:30 – Introduction of Bob Budd. 8:05 – What have these guys been up to outdoors recently? 10:27 – Bob explains his childhood and the path which led him to where he is today. 13:15 – The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund – how it got started, what it's supposed to do, and day to day activities… 17:05 - Details behind the structure and approach to funding for the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund. 19:30 - How does the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund get projects and take them to completion. 22:12 - Conservation easement funding. 23:37 - How many applications does the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund receive and how many organizations do they work with? 27:00 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Are you following @NWFOutdoors on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube? 28:23 - The history of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. 31:00 - How has the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund helped hunters specifically? 33:30 – “They're catching 30” rainbows in town!!” It used to be full of refrigerators. 34:56 - Bob tells a good story… “I had no idea this state was this state…” 38:12 - The possibility of being fully funded. 40:16 - One of the unique things about the trust is that they utilize the interest from this fund to continue to perpetually do these projects. Bob talks about how this works. 46:13 - Mechanically what has to happen now and what can sportsmen and sportswomen tell their representative? 47:36 - What could other states learn from Wyoming? 50:51 - Wyoming does wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in a special way. Bob highlights some of their achievements. 52:47 - Camo at the Capital!! Great event and opportunity. Look it up and participate. 54:22 - Closing statement from Bob Budd – his has a book coming out! “There's great stuff going on everywhere.”

Ashley and Aaron sit down with Dr. Colin Gillin to talk about the captive cervid industry and how it's stymied efforts to control CWD. Colin is the State Wildlife Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and takes us on a deep dive into how cervid farms work and how they need to change in order for us to make headway in the fight. Recommended link: https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/5215/3729/1805/AFWA_CWD_BMPS_12_September_2018_FINAL.pdf Show notes: 2:55 - Introduction of Dr. Colin Gillin, a state wildlife veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He has been active in national efforts to monitor and stop the spread of CWD for decades. 3:57 - Explanation of wild animals versus captive cervids. 5:20 – How did we go from having wild animals in their natural environment to having wild animals in captivity? 7:10 - Deer farming predates the North American model of conservation. 8:50 – What are the rules to hold captive cervids? 12:31 – Does it differ from state to state who is in charge of making and enforcing rules for captive cervids? 14:51 - Discussing the different products that come out of captive cervid farms and how that can be problematic for the spread of CWD. 19:53 – Fence talk. What about the risk of animals escaping the farms and spreading CWD? 24:12 -   A closer look at the operations and facilities within captive cervid farming. It's estimated that they bring in $8 billion nationally! 28:39 - How many farms are in the USA? There are about 10,000 deer farms in the USA! 31:40 - Federal rules for interstate movement of cervids and a discussion of animals being moved around illegally.  36:44 – Clearing up a few acronyms for the audience. 37:25 - “The rules setup for the herd certification program is geared solely for the interstate transport.” 43:09 - What happens when a facility tests positive for CWD? 48:56 – Break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! Artemis.nwf.org 50:34 - What do you say to someone who thinks captive cervid farming is out of place? 55:48 - The North American model, “You cannot take wildlife and use it for market purposes.” Considering the various parts of the model. 59:11 - It would seem like the captive service industry as a whole costs a lot to our wildlife resource and doesn't give anything to it. 1:01:29 - Brief overview of AFWA best management practices. 1:08:54 - What is one thing that could have been done differently 50 years ago? What can do done now? 1:14:34 -  Closing statement.

Bill and Aaron wax poetic on a few subjects after a few failures to get the famous Jim Ronquest connected (we'll get him back soon). We talk end of duck season, getting outside, preview the Ronquest episode, and point to some current events in conservation.   

Matt Dunfee is a career CWD expert and in this episode he walks us through everything from the discovery of the disease to how its affecting deer populations today. Along with a deep dive into the biology of CWD, we talk about the responsibility that hunters have and the fears they face around CWD. Join us for this incredible primer on what's happening out there and what needs to be done about it.   Links: Modeled Impacts of Chronic Wasting Disease on White-Tailed Deer in a Semi-Arid Environment Chronic Wasting Disease Drives Population Decline of White-Tailed Deer Endemic chronic wasting disease causes mule deer population decline in Wyoming Socially Amplified Risk: Attitude and Behavior Change in Response to CWD in Wisconsin Deer Reduction of Chronic Wasting Disease Prion Seeding Activity Digestion by Mountain Lions mountain lion paper USGS Maps https://wildlifemanagement.institute/ https://cwd-info.org/ Show notes: 3:30 – Who is Matt Dunfee? 4:45 – What is CWD? 9:56 – CWD is always fatal. What's is caused by? 11:37 - Discussing the incubation of CWD. What does the incubation period represent? 13:40 - Animals infected with CWD do not display symptoms immediately. How does this affect management? 16:00 - Infected versus uninfected. What are the best terms to use? 16:37 - Deer infected with CWD die at a higher rate than uninfected animals from all causes. 17:35 - What does it take to destroy a CWD prion? 19:55 - Discussing a study regarding CWD prions being denatured in the digestive track of mountain lions. 22:25 - Trying to manage this disease in free ranging cervids on the landscape. 26:34 - CWD origin story. Where did it begin? How did it start spreading? Is it endemic in cervids? 33:48 - GIS mapping of CWD coming soon! Until then check the link above for CWD mapping from USGS. 37:11 - Discovering CWD in new locations… “The first time you find it is not the first time it was ever there.” 40:00 - The latest in CWD testing, prevalence and population level impacts. 47:25 - CWD and the potential of jumping species… including the potential of it jumping to humans. 59:52 - Unpacking why it seems to be more prevalent in bucks and bulls. 1:03:47 - Population declines in whitetail and mule deer in areas with very high prevalence of CWD. 1:08:36 - “CWD Fatigue” 1:12:47 - What are the various factors that prevent the spread and promote good management? 1:20:22 - We need to be clear on effective management of CWD (reducing prevalence and stopping spread) and the importance of the state fish and wildlife agencies. 1:27:15 - Closing statements from Matt Dunfee, Ashley Chance and Aaron Kindle.

Welcome to the Chronic Wasting Disease Chronicles, brought to you by NWF Outdoors and Artemis. Chronic Wasting Disease is an always fatal and definitely complex neurological disease afflicting cervids across North America and beyond. More than 50 years after its discovery, the impacts of this disease are ramping up quickly while hunters are having to make tough decisions about how they hunt and feed their families. What does this mean for the future of big game hunting? What can be done to stop the spread and conserve our hunting traditions? The Chronic Wasting Disease Chronicles explores these issues with leading experts from around the country and looks hopefully to a future full of healthy wild cervid populations.  

Aaron and Bill sit down with renowned archery author and traditional bow craftsman, Ron Rohrbaugh. We discuss conservation, archery, getting young people outdoors and his two recent books, A Traditional Bowhunter's Path and Echo: Living Wild with the Orions. Ron also reads an excerpt from Echo, discusses the visceral and intimate act of hunting at very close range, and tells some great hunting stories.  https://yourlifecyclegear.comLifeCycle Gear https://www.amazon.com/Ron-Rohrbaugh-Jr./e/B01KI3U7NI?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000 https://www.facebook.com/RonRohrbaughAuthor   https://www.instagram.com/lifecyclegear/ Show notes: :05 – Bill and Aaron provide overview and intro to the episode. 5:33 - What Ron has been up to outside lately. Have you heard of “Black Powder Season”? 10:00 - Ron discusses this statement: “Without hunters, there would be no wild places.” 12:45 - How Ron got into conservation and writing. 15:00 - Thoughts on mentorship and how to find one if you don't have one yet! Also, the importance of getting parents and guardians hooked as well. 18:40 - Ron sets the stage for his book, the characters, and the inspiration. 22:10 - Ron reads an excerpt from his book. The character, Echo, comes upon the scene of a group of coyotes who have taken down a deer. Echo needs food… 26:19 – Ron reflects on how his real life experiences inspire and inform his writing. 28:41 - Ron discusses that moment when the animal dies and you start harvesting. 29:54 - The traditional bow hunter's path. Ron discusses his process in going deep into the world of archery. What's going through Ron's head when he is crafting his hand made bows. Life Cycle Gear 36:38 - Does the wood working skills required in bow making benefit hunting as a whole? 38:36 - Who is the audience of his book? Bow hunters? Conservationists? New people? 41:16 - Ron discusses is career with birds, forest management and what birding has taught him about hunting. 44:00 – Quick message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen! 45:11 - The ivory billed woodpecker and Ron's involvement in Cornell University's search. 49:03 - Ron's advice on parenting, mentoring and guiding kids when it comes to the outdoors. 52:04 - What's the first thing kids outta know when they are considering hunting? 55:19 - Ron shares two of his favorite whitetail stories. 1:02:51 - Ron shares his closing thoughts. Be sure to check the links above to see Ron's books!  

Aaron and Bill have a chat with renowned entrepreneur, duckman, and conservationist, Warren Coco. "Coco's" inventing the GO-DEVIL Longtail motor in the 1970s changed duck hunting forever, but he didn't stop there and continued innovating longtails, surface drives, and boat designs. In the 80s he collaborated with Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty on what many duck hunters believe to still be the best waterfowl hunting video ever produced, The Duckmen of Louisiana. In the 90s he turned his energy, time and resources to conservation, and that focus continues to this day. Not only does he contribute his voice and money to conservation causes, he spends most of his days off on an excavator restoring coastal marsh in southwest Louisiana. We discuss Coco's sporting life, his adventures, and his dedication to conservation.  Links: Vanishing Paradise film of Delta restoration featuring Coco https://youtu.be/pS7bwj9pwlw The Go-Devil Company page  https://www.godevil.com/the-company-about-us/ Coco's personal take on the conservation and restoration issue in the Delta https://youtu.be/j_bmTxJKph0 The Duckmen of Louisiana with Warren Coco and Phil Robertson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQaq5H8MSDw Warren Coco bio with his contributions to wetlands restoration  https://www.ducks.org/get-involved/go-devil-founder-works-plays-and-invests-in-wetlands Show Notes: :05 – Bill and Aaron provide overview and Intro to the episode 6:10 - What "Coco" has been up to lately 9:05 – “We can't kill enough ducks to make gravy” 11:30 – the ducks haven't gotten to Southern LA yet 13:15 – All the ducks came in 83' and 89' 15:02 – How Coco's Company Go Devil got started 18:00 – business grows like crazy and the duck limit goes from 3 to 5 19:25 – “we cut a big hog the first year of sales” 21:20 – how the Go Devil motors work and what makes them special in the marsh 22:30 – B.O.A.T – “Break Out Another Thousand” 25:15 – the origin of the “Go-Devil” name 26:55 – the backstory of Coco's participation the famous video, “The Duckmen of Louisiana” with Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” 30:10 –making the Duckmen of Louisiana over 13 days and two hunting seasons 34:30 - how the invasive species salvinia ruined the Muarepas Swamps for duck hunting and how it outcompetes and kill “duck wheat” 38:40 – more changes in the duck swamps and the need for restoration 43:55 – marsh loss through Coco's eyes 46:00 – floating islands 48:45 – an old fishing hole that is now 600 yards out in the gulf 52:28 – when the Midwest lost its top soil, a lot of it came down the river 59:52 – these guys are fishing oysters where their grandfathers trapped 1:02:10 – restoring Hackberry 1:06:00 – the difficulties of restoration and management 1:10:30 – supporting DU and Vanishing Paradise 1:14:25 – delta conservation is a nationwide issue    

Aaron and Bill sit down with renowned outdoor media personality, Lisa Ballard. Lisa is a professional skier, hunter, angler, outdoor writer, Emmy-winning TV producer, and two-time Ruger North American sporting clays champion who has traveled the world skiing, hunting, fishing, and covering the outdoors. We cover her career, the unique opportunities and challenges she has faced as a woman, how her media work led her to conservation, RAWA, and climate issue she's experienced at home and while traveling. https://www.lisaballardoutdoors.com/densmoredesigns.html  http://nwf.org/Outdoors/Blog/06-30-2021-Recovering-Americas-Wildlife https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Policy/Recovering-Americas-Wildlife-Act Show notes: 1:00 – Aaron and Bill discuss their recent journey together in Tennessee through the area where the tornado recently destroyed large areas of the state. 3:10 – Intro and background on Lisa Ballard. 4:25 – What Lisa has been doing outside recently. 8:10 -- How Lisa got into the outdoor media world! From professionally skiing to PBS! 10:00 -- Story about making a film about teaching a bird dog how to hunt. 14:30 -- That first moment Lisa knew she was going to be paid to work outside… the real reward is bringing the outdoors to other people. 19:18 -- How does one become a Lisa Ballard in these days? How does one become an outdoor media professional in 2021? Speak well. Record well. Write well. Know your outdoor skills! 12:41 -- The path to competitive shooting. 25:03 – Mentorship. 26:09 -- Advice for men listening who are planning on taking a woman out hunting (for the first time). Make sure it's warm and dry… bring snacks… be mindful of time. This advice goes for both men and women! 28:57 --  Rifle and shotgun advice for women. 31:20 -- Artemis Sportswomen shout out & short message for their podcast. 33:06 -- Lisa's evolution in the outdoor world as a woman. How have things changed? “When you are hunting, you really are part of your natural surroundings and women really connect to that emotionally” 37:26 -- The journey to conservation and Recovering America's Wildlife Act. 41:16 – Climate Change and Recovering America's Wildlife Act. 44:31 -- In Montana, where Lisa is from, what would Recovering America's Wildlife Act look like. Extreme drought, extreme wildlife, extreme fishing restrictions…  47:54 -- State agencies have limited resources; getting them some additional help through Recovering America's Wildlife Act will be huge. Good for the bird, good for the herd! 50:36 -- Lisa reflects on climate change from the perspective of a hunter, angler, skier and overall professional outdoors woman. For starters, what she has noticed by documenting glacier recession around the world. 55:50 – A skier's perspective on climate change and a reflection on how WEIRD the climate trends have been. 1:00:00 – Parting comment from Lisa Ballard: GET OUTDOORS!

Host Aaron Kindle and co-host, Bill Cooksey, spend an hour with Garry Mason, Founder of The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, professional fishing and wing shooting guide, and collegiate bass coach at Bethel University. We start with his beginnings in the outdoor industry, talk about hunters and angler leaders, the H.O.F. and how awesome it is young people today have the opportunity to get college scholarship by fishing. It's all good until talk turns to invasive carp and cormorants which are both causing problems in and around the waters in Garry's home state of Tennessee.   http://www.legendsoftheoutdoors.com/ https://mshfn.com/mid-south-legend-garry-mason/ https://www.bethelu.edu/news/bethel-university-is-dominating-the-collegiate-sport-of-bass-fishing   Show notes: 1:48 – Who is Gary Mason? 5:50 – What are these guys doing outside these days? 9:44 – What was Gary's path to getting to and staying in the out of doors? 15:20 - How do you stay in touch with what is going on? 18:38 – The growth and background story of the The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame and the Legends of the Outdoors T.V. 23:04 – Bill Cooksey is a legend and an icon

Host Aaron Kindle and our new co-host, Bill Cooksey, sit down with Greg Fitz, communications manager for the Wild Steelhead Coalition. The trio discusses steelhead conservation and the new campaign recently launched by the Wild Steelhead Coalition dubbed “Now or Never”. Steelhead are in severe decline and 2021 saw record low returns. The Pacific Northwest also experienced record heatwaves in the summer of 2021. These and other factors like dams are pushing steelhead to the brink. We discuss the situation, why the new campaign, and how regular folks can and should get engaged in conservation.  Suggested links: https://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/ https://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/now-or-never https://www.patagonia.com/stories/last-chance-to-get-it-right/story-97951.html https://swingthefly.com/author/gregory-fitz/ Show Notes: 1:15 – If you have yet to hear the exciting news… here are some more details! We have a new co-host! 2:22 -  Introduction of Greg Fitz. 3:21 – What have Greg, Bill and Aaron been doing outside recently? 6:30 – What is a steelhead? What makes it so special? What were they up too before dams blocked their migration routes? The key to the fish is their astounding diversity! 10:40 – What distancing are these fish swimming and climbing? 14:40 - What is the Wild Steelhead Coalition? 19:09 - Let's chat about the “Now OR Never” campaign from the Wild Steelhead Coalition. 21:22 – What is the state of wild steelhead right now? Also, why do conservationists never get invited back to parties?? 24:00 - Let's talk about the numbers now compared to the steelhead runs during their hay day? 25:30 - What is the attitude of fishermen regarding steelhead? 27:17 - The intersection of angling, conservation and steelhead fishing. 29:35 – Message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. 30:41 -  Personal responsibility as it relates to being an angler. 37:18 - Restoration and Recovery. 41:30 - Pushback and removing the dams. 48:22 - Hot water as an impact for steelhead. 49:05 – Adapting our fisheries to climate change. 51:17 - Restoration and Resilience! 57:15 - What can we do about the plight of the wild steelhead? 1:03:00 - Closing question… how does Fitz like to fish for steelhead? 1:05:03 - Closing statement.    

Bill Cooksey from Tennessee and of NWF's Vanishing Paradise team is joining Aaron Kindle co-host of the NWF Outdoors podcast. Bill brings a wealth of knowledge from the waterfowl side as a four-time TN duck calling champion, avid turkey hunter, accomplished angler, consummate conservationist, and all-around great guy. The addition of Bill to the podcast will help pull more ideas, topics, and guests from around the country and improve the overall feel and entertainment value of the show.