The Average Conservationist - Sportsmen's Empire

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Rose Schneider from The Grasshoppers Mermaid. TGM is a lifestyle apparel brand based out of Colorado. The two kick things off talking about Rose's background and how she found herself in Colorado and what made her decide to start her own retail brand, despite her background being primarily in journalism. Rose talks about the influence her grandfather had on her and how she takes a small piece of him with her to every trade show she attends. With conservation and giving back being one of the cornerstones of the business, Rose explains the importance of it and what they are hoping to accomplish in the future. If you're looking for some great new apparel that supports a good cause, be sure and check them out at grasshoppersmermaid.com.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Dan Nelson and Sebastian Alvarado from 2% Certified Local Outdoors Brand. Local Outdoors is a lifestyle apparel brand supporting conservation with an emphasis on creating memories and getting outdoors in your local area, wherever that may be. The guys open things up talking about their upbringing in Michigan and how the two re-connected after growing up in the same small town. Dan discusses how the company was formed and why conservation is at the center of everything they are doing. If you're looking for some new gear to show some love for your home turf and support conversation in the process, go check out Local Outdoors.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus breaks down the recent ruling in the Corner Crossing case in Wyoming. In short, the Corner Crossing case was a lawsuit filed against 4 hunters in Wyoming who accessed a piece of public land from another by using a ladder to cross at an intersection of 2 pieces of private land. Two separate suits were filed against the hunters, both criminal and civil, claiming that the hunters trespassed on private land by crossing the air space on the private land. In both cases, the judge ruled in favor of the hunters and has potentially set a precedent for not only Wyoming but other western states as well. Time will tell what this means for other states, but for now it was a victory for hunters.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by Clark Dodd. Clark is the owner of 2% Certified Bella's Bones. Bella's Bones is a company that makes various items like bottle openers, pizza cutters and wine stoppers out of shed antlers that Clark and his dogs find. Growing up in east Tennessee, Clark is no stranger to the outdoors and really cut his teeth fishing the trout streams in the Smoky Mountains with his Dad and not long after that started bowhunting. Clark spent the better part of 20 seasons working in Yellowstone while living in different parts of the country before finally settling down just outside of the park. What started as making a few small items for friends has turned into a full fledged business where Clark attends various craft and trade shows to sell is handmade, statement pieces to outdoor lovers. If you're looking for a cool, conversation starter household item, be sure and check them out all he has to offer at bellas-bones.com.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

Joining Marcus this week on The Average Conservationist Podcast is Nick Alexander. Nick is the owner of 2% Certified CRKT Perfect Protein. What started off as a way to find a different source of protein, has led Nick to starting his own business and on a mission to educate others on the benefits of not only eating crickets, but the lack of a footprint the operation has on the landscape. This episode is filled with a ton of great insight and knowledge into Nick's business and plan for the future surrounding all the different ways one can consume cricket protein. If you're looking for a high protein, nutrient dense alternative to your normal diet, I highly suggest taking notes on this episode. Nick is on a mission to change the perception behind eating crickets and spreading the word to whoever will listen. To learn more about CRKT, check out crkt.life.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the Founder of 2% Certified Hunt West, Jaden Bales. Hunt West is a resource for hunters looking to optimize their western hunts through Jaden's years of experience. Have a tag in your hand, but need help putting a game plan together? Jaden will help you do just that to make sure you don't find yourself wondering what or where to go next. The guys cover a lot of ground during their conversation from crazy stories in the backcountry, to why conservation is so important for the future of our landscape. Jaden explains why he started the company and how he's making a living off of conservation. This is a great conversation from start to finish, with even a slight cliffhanger at the end. To learn more about Hunt West, follow them on social media or check them out at huntwest.net.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with 2% for Conservation Communication Coordinator, Brie McWade. Brie opens up the conversation talking about her background and how she found her way to 2%. Growing up in the shadows of Mt Rainier, Brie spent much of her time submerged in all things 'Pacific Northwest' and since 2017 she has spent much of her time discovering all things western, especially hiking around our National Parks. When she's not out hiking around Brie volunteers her time as a certified Master Gardener for Los Angeles Country from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources to educate on sustainable landscaping, best practices in vegetable growing, water conservation efforts and pollinator preservation. Be sure and follow Brie along on her various adventures on IG at @stateofbrie!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus revisits a recent episode with Walter Piper. The work that Walter and his team are doing to study the decline of Loons in the upper midwest is paramount for the long term success of the species. During this conversation, Walter talks about the work he has been doing for the past 20 years and how you can help him and his team continue their research and help come up with viable solutions to make sure the decline can be mitigated as much as possible. Find out all about the work that is being done and how you can help out at loonproject.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Ed Speakman from Our Grounds Coffee. The guys kick the conversation off talking about Ed's introduction to the outdoors and the similarities between Pennsylvania and Michigan. Ed talks about the origin story of Our Grounds and how he started roasting coffee beans for his friends and once that took off, he realized he could make a go at his own small business. The guys talk about the ups and downs of owning a small business and how if you have a dream and work hard, anything is possible. They close out the conversation discussing why conservation and giving back are some important and when the turning point was where the guys knew they had to start giving back. If you're in the market for some new coffee, be sure and check out Our Grounds Coffee and grab a bag today!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the host of the Conservation Unfiltered Podcast, Jason Crighton. The guys kick things off catching up on last year's deer hunting season and how they are trying to get their kids involved in the outdoors and making memories along the way. Jason and Marcus discuss how they approach preparing for podcast guests and ways to ask important questions without getting scripted answers. From there Jason discusses a recent partnership with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in Pennsylvania, what KECA is all about and plans he has for this year's event (you're going to want to hear this). All in all, it's just a great conversation about a wide range of topics with plenty of laughs along the way. Enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by Rob Hummel. Rob is the owner of 2% Certified Mountain Man Deer Processing, a mobile deer processing company based in the tri-state area. Rob kicks things off talking about his upbringing in the outdoors and what got him into hunting. The guys talk about how Rob decided to start the company and how his process works. Rob discusses the importance of caring for the meat and what customers can expect from him when he shows up ready to process your deer. Rob uses the same care on his customers' deer as he would his own, so you can expect the absolute best quality. Rob and his team will process and give you whatever cuts you want, vacuumed sealed and ready to go by the time he leaves. If you're in the tri-state area and think you may need some help with your next deer, be sure and check them out!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is riding solo to talk about springtime and some of the ways you can get outside and do some good. When the snow is finally gone, you can start to see more green than white and brown, the days are getting longer and you're seeing more of the sun than you've seen in months. Now is the time to use all of that pent up angst from sitting inside during the winter and get out and do some good. Hit some local trailheads, water access points or even parks and pick up some trash that was left throughout the winter months. Take the family and make a day of it, now is a great time to have conversations with the young conservationists in our lives about leaving things better than you found them.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Shannon Waters from Gastro Gnome. The two kick things off catching up on the Western Hunt Expo and the recent BHA Rendezvous. Shannon talks about how the product offerings have changed since their last episode and the process that goes into creating a new meal. The two talk about Gasto Gnome's most recent offering and that is instant coffee that is unlike anything else on the market. Shannon also discusses her love for what she's doing and how she didn't have a backup plan when she started the business two and half years ago. If you haven't already, be sure and pick up one of the many different meals GN has to offer for your next backcountry adventure.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Professor of Biology from Chapman University, Walter Piper. Walter has spent the last 30 years studying Loons in the upper regions of the midwest, specifically Wisconsin and most recently Minnesota. The loon population continues to decline in these areas and Walter and his team are researching the cause and how to potentially right the ship going forward. Recently, Walter and his team lost some funding for the research being done in Minnesota and need some help in order to fully staff their efforts and attack this research with the proper amount of people. Head over to loonproject.org to learn more about what Walter and his team are doing as well and to donate to their research efforts.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus catches up with returning guest Dustin Diefenderfer from MTNTOUGH. Dustin discusses the growth over the past year and half, what's led to it, and how more than just aspiring backcountry hunters are signing up and becoming MTNTOUGH Athletes. The guys discuss doing hard things and stepping out of your comfort zone, and how the new MTNTOUGH app has made it easier than ever to start your fitness journey right in your own home, with minimal equipment. Whether you're looking to take the next step in your training, or you're just getting started, MTNTOUGH has a program for you. Download the app today and get started!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with author and entrepreneur, Zach Hanson. Zach is the founder of TheOutfitter.Guide as well as the author of his recently released book, Turning Feral. Zach opens the conversation up talking about his journey into the outdoors and how he was able to try and shorten his learning curve when it came to not only whitetail hunting, but western big game. The guys discuss Zach's journey into trapping and how it's looked at as a bit of a lost art as well as his new company and book. Be sure and pick up a copy of Turning Feral on Amazon and if you're running a guide business check out Theoutfitter.guide.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the owner of 2% Certified brand Dangles Gear, James "Fort" Fortner. The guys start their conversation by going back to the beginning, of where it all started for James. Growing up in an outdoor family, being outside and in nature was all James ever knew. Whether shooting archery as a kid, hiking in to fish high country lakes or chasing big game, James and his family cherish the outdoors. In order to do his part to help preserve our wild places, James started Dangles Gear to help fund those who make it their life's mission to give back. Dangles Gear sunglass leashes use 100% recycled materials on all of their products to help further their conservation mission. Head over to danglesgear.com and use code AVERAGE50 (all caps) at checkout and save 50% off your order.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Nick Green from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. The guys talk about a bit of a hot button issue here in Michigan and that's the expansion of Army National Guard Base, Camp Grayling. The National Guard is proposing to lease an additional, roughly 160,000 acres of public land on top of the roughly 140,000 acres they currently occupy. The guys cover how everything came about, what the initial feedback was from the public and where things currently stand. Whether you're a Michigan resident or just an average conservationist, this is an episode that you'll want to hear.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Stephen Davis. Stephen is a Michigan native and current real estate agent in Lexington, Kentucky. Stephen opens things up talking about his upbringing in Michigan, his interest in the outdoors, his love for music and he wound up a real estate agent. The guys take a sidebar to talk about one of Stephen's other passions, bourbon and helps point Marcus in the right direction for his next purchase. Stephen discusses how his love and curiosity for wild places led him to start hunting this past year and the story of how he was able to harvest his first whitetail deer. This is a great conversation that covers a lot of topics and the two share a lot of laughs throughout.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Paul Campbell from the NWTF to talk about wild turkeys. Paul kicks things off talking about how he got introduced to the outdoors and how turkey hunting saved him when he was at a rough patch in his life. The guys talk about the great work NWTF is doing across the country to help restore the wild turkey population along with some of the things the organization has accomplished during their 50 year tenure. Paul closes things out talking about his biggest takeaway from the organization and it's an answer that anyone who hunts turkeys is going to love to hear. Paul is also the co-host of the Ohio Outdoors Podcast that also airs on the Sportsmen's Empire, so be sure to check that out.Overall, a great conversation from start to finish and one you'll enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

To kick off 2023, Marcus is once again joined by Jared Frasier from 2%. The guys catch up on how the year went for 2022 for the organization along with some changes internally that we can expect to see in the coming weeks. Jared goes over some of the partnerships he's most excited about from the previous year along with the growing numbers of conservation organizations their members are giving back to. The guys wrap up the conversation with a call to arms to help out in a dire situation around the globe. Be sure and stick around for the end, because there is some great information and ways that you can help get involved and make a huge impact on a specific species. Happy New Year, everyone!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down and speaks from the heart. He reflects on the last 2.5 years of hosting the podcast, all of the great guests he's had on and the partners who help make it possible. Marcus discusses the relationships he's formed through the podcast along with how he's enjoyed seeing others succeed and how the stories of his guests inspire him and keep him motivated to keep fighting the good fight. He also opens up about how Sportsmen's Empire took a chance on him to start his own podcast and focus on conservation, which isn't typically a hot topic people are discussing. All and all, it's one long heartfelt thank you. Merry Christmas everyone!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast Marcus is solo to talk about a conservation road map of sorts. Marcus talks about his path to his current point within the conservation world and what were some critical times stops along the way. He discusses how having kids changed his outlook on wildlife and why he finds it so important to give back where you can.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Hank Shaw. Hank is a lifelong outdoorsman, hunter, gatherer, author and chef. The guys kick things off taking a dive into Hank's past in the outdoors and how he got to the point he's at now. Hank talks about finding hunting later in life and how it was an easy transition for him. Having authored 5 books, Hank describes the approach he takes to writing and how he doesn't like to leave anything up for interpretation in his recipes. Hank also talks about a recent project he did that just launched on OutdoorClass. To find out more about what Hank is up to, check out his course on OutdoorClass, on Instagram or his website honest-food.netCheck out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is riding solo to talk about Giving Tuesday and Conservation Burnout. He touches on a great way to give the gift of conservation to someone you love and also how to combat a long year or more of volunteering by altering your role. This is a quick hitting episode with some good bits of knowledge and also a few challenges for the listeners. Enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

On this holiday week, Marcus is joined by Tristan Henry. Tristan is the owner of 2% Certified NXTLVL Digital Marketing out of Oregon. The guys kick things off talking about how much both Michigan and Oregon have in common and how Tristan got started in the outdoors. Tristan talks about his healthy obsession for bird hunting and the connection bird hunters have with their dogs. The two talk about how Tristan found himself working in the marketing space, and why he likes working with the clients that he does. This is a great conversation to enjoy while traveling over the holiday weekend and get you geared up for bird hunting. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by EJ Saunders. EJ is one of the founders of 2% Certified Blaze Digital Solutions, which specializes in digital marketing. EJ talks about how he found himself in the digital marketing space and the types of clients that they are working with. The guys discuss why conservation is so important to their mission and how they are able to help their customers reach their target market. A great conversation that shows EJ's passion for what he does and the outdoors. Enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

To round out org month and conclude the two part Veteran Day Tribute, Marcus is joined by AFI Director, Trevor Hubbs. The guys pick up where Marcus and DJ left off last week discussing more about the efforts of AFI, this time more focused on Veterans as opposed to active duty. Trevor talks about some of the partners of AFI as well his big takeaways from their events and how AFI is giving Veterans a new mission to serve as they become stewards out of our public lands and wild places. If you haven't already, head over to backcountryhunters.org, click the 'Programs' tab and see how you can get involved today!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with DJ Zor from the BackCountry Hunters & Anglers - Armed Forces Initiative. To celebrate Veterans Day, we're doing a two part series to highlight the BHA-AFI and celebrate our Veterans. The guys cover a bunch of ground in their discussion, including DJ's introduction to the outdoors, what AFI's mission is, and how the outdoors has an impact on us all. DJ talks about AFI helping bridge the gap for active duty military members getting outdoors as well as helping give veterans a new mission after serving our country. This is a great discussion from start to finish and one that will certainly motivate you to give back to an organization like AFI. To learn more, head over to backcountryhunters.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

Week four of org month brings in Ben O'Brien from the newly formed The Hunt in Common. Ben started THC with the hopes of getting new hunters into the field using mentors local to their area. An idea that stemmed from an email Ben received over 2 years ago from a listener on his podcast talking about wanting to get into hunting. Not only does THC get new hunters into the field, it more importantly helps build lifelong relationships with like minded people. If you're at a place in your outdoor journey where you want to help others start theirs, be sure and check out thehuntincommon.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

Org month rolls along as Marcus welcomes in Associate Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, EJ Porth. The two discuss what exactly a land trust is and what it does, then taking things one step further what exactly the GVLT mission is. EJ goes into detail about land owners they are working with and how they determine the types and pieces of land they are trying to conserve. As the Gallatin Valley continues to grow, it's important now more than ever to get involved and help preserve the wild places that make this part of Montana the outdoor mecca that it is. Learn more at gvlt.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

For week two of org month, from Homegrown National Park, Marcus sits down with Doug Tallamy. Doug is one of the founders of Homegrown as well as a professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and 4x published author. The guys kick things off discussing Doug's background and where his love for wildlife comes from. Doug explains the origin story of the organization and how easy it is to convert part of your own yard to your very own national park. The idea behind the organization is one that is simple and easy to do and their website provides a ton of information to help get your started. After only a few years, Homegrown National Park has over 20k members and continues to grow. To learn more and become a member head over to homegrownnationalpark.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more great outdoor content!

To kick off Org Month on the podcast, from the National Deer Association, Marcus welcomes in Nick Pinizzotto. Nick opens things up by giving a bit about his background and what brought him to NDA. The guys talk about similar hunting traditions in PA and MI, along with what makes the whitetail deer so special. Nick breaks down some of the different programs NDA has to offer for getting new deer hunters in the woods and his favorite part about those events. The two also spend a small amount of time on the merger between QDMA and the Deer Alliance. Nick and the team at NDA are passionate about whitetail deer and the wild places they live and that certainly shows during this conversation. To learn more and become a member of The National Deer Association, go to www.deerassociation.com

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is riding solo to give the listeners a bit of a reset before kicking off 'Org Month' in October. Marcus talks about what's to come during org month along with some of the guests that he'll be having on. With that, he also gets into a few different proposed bills that are out there, both good and bad for the conservation world and how you can help voice your opinions. The hope is that this episode will get you to start thinking about conservation from more of a policy side of things and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and get involved.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus catches up with returning guest Cindy Stites. Cindy currently works for the Indiana DNR, but made the career switch a few years ago to make the world of conservation her full time job. The two catch up on her career change and what has been rewarding for her spending an entire year mentoring new hunters along with her current role at the IN DNR. Cindy discusses her approach to taking new hunters into the field along with the initial conversations she's having before ever stepping foot into the field. If you've ever listened to or read anything Cindy has put out, you know how thoughtful and passionate she is about conservation and the outdoors and this conversation is no different. Be sure to follow along with Cindy on her conservation journey and as she mentors future conservationists.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus welcomes in Andrew Pfaff. Andrew is the owner of 2% Certified EcoWash Pressure Washing, based out of Madison, Wisconsin. The guys start at the beginning and discuss Andrew's journey into the outdoors and the story of his first solo hunt and buck. From there, Andrew and Marcus take a deep dive into EcoWash. Andrew started his home maintenance business as a freshman in college, during the height of the pandemic and hasn't looked back. Growing to 35 employees during this past summer, Andrew is giving other college students an opportunity at real world experience and a chance to run their own business. Along with that Andrew is striving to be 5% better than his competitors when it comes to the impact they could potentially be having on the environment. If you're in the greater Madison and surrounding areas and are looking for some work done on your home, be sure and check out EcoWash Pressure Washing.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with returning guest, Eric Clark. Eric is one of the founders of lifestyle apparel brand Okayest Hunter and also one of the hosts of the Okayest Hunter Podcast. The guys get to talk about the rollercoaster that the brand has been on over the past two years and how things have grown and how the community is being built. Eric describes the approach they are taking to help spread their message along with a recent 3D archery shoot they just hosted in Wisconsin. The team at Okayest Hunter are continuously putting out funny and relatable content that most hunters can appreciate, and on top of that they are offering some great merch. If you haven't already, be sure and check out the Okayest Hunter on any of your social media platforms.Sponsors:www.gohunt.comwww.hardsidehydration.comwww.stoneglacier.comwww.outdoorclass.comwww.wildriverscoffeeco.comwww.fishandwildlife.org

Joining Marcus on The Average Conservationist Podcast this week is George Cathey. George is the owner of 2% Certified Oxbow Ecological Engineering. Oxbow uses civil and ecological engineering practices to help solve various problems and issues facing wildlife. Growing up in New Mexico and spending most of his life outdoors, George has been able to combine his love for problem solving and wildlife to better habitat throughout the west. George has such a strong conviction for what he does that he often finds himself helping out in  phases of projects where others would pass the job off and looking for opportunities to get his hands dirty. After listening to this episode you'll easily be inspired to want to get out and give back to your local wildlife in any way that you can.

This week on the Podcast, Marcus is joined by Chris Spencer and Dr. Adam Ford from the film Community For The Wild. Community For The Wild is a film that was put together to capture the work being done by a group of biologists and volunteers studying the mule deer herd in the southern range of British Columbia. Adam and Chris talk about the role they played in the project along with the struggles of the project, what they learned and what is to come next. Be sure and check out the film at the link below on youtube and if you're in the area see how you can get involved in the next phase of the project.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCd36Yzk6Dk Sponsors:www.hardsidehydration.comwww.stoneglacier.comwww.gohunt.comwww.wildriverscoffeeco.comwww.fishandwildlife.org

Sitting down with Marcus this week is Cody Wright. Cody is the owner and founder of 2% Certified Barbell Basecamp Fitness Lab. Barbell Basecamp is a training program to help prepare hunters for the physical and mental challenges they are going to face in the backcountry. Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, the outdoors has always been a big part of Cody's life, not only that, but Cody found weight lifting at a young age as well. It wasn't until Cody's first elk hunt and the challenges he faced that he realized how he could pair his two passions to help better prepare other hunters for the mountains. Barbell offers various training programs for all seasons to make sure you're at peak readiness when hitting the trailhead. If you're looking to prepare for your next western hunt, or just want to better your fitness level, be sure and check out Barbell Basecamp. Sponsors:www.hardsidehydration.comwww.gohunt.com (code: average)www.stoneglacier.comwww.outdoorclass.com (code: average)www.wildriverscoffeeco.comwww.fishandwildlife.org

Joining Marcus this week on the Podcast for a special episode of sorts are Shaun Durkee and his daughter Lila. Shaun and Lila recently participated in a weekend mountain goat survey in southwest Montana and are here to talk about their experience. This wasn't just a survey from the truck either, rather a 5.5 mile hike into the backcountry. For an experienced backpacker like Shaun it was pretty standard, but for young Lila it was no small feat. The two talk about their weekend adventure, the importance of surveys like this and why Lila probably won't tell her friends at school about it, because she doesn't want to brag. This is a fun conversation and a glimpse into what the outdoors looks like to the next generation of conservationists. Enjoy!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Mark Jones. Mark is the owner of newly 2% Certified Citrus Arrow Coffee Co. The guys start their conversation talking about Mark's path that led to him starting his own coffee company and what one of the driving factors was for giving back. Growing up in California, Mark has always had a deep love and appreciation for the ocean and the wildlife that inhabits it. Through Citrus Arrow, Mark is able to work with a handful of local and national organizations to give back and help keep our oceans clean. If you're looking for a good cup of joe that supports conversation in the process, be sure and check them out!

Sitting down this week on The Average Conservationist Podcast is Dr. Sarah Marino. Sarah is the owner of her own practice, Marino Medica, located in the greater Austin, TX area. The two start the conversation off discussing Sarah's practice, what type of medicine she's practicing and the different approach she is taking to the Dr-Patient relationship. Sarah is hoping to build strong relationships with her patients, much like she grew up with, instead of a more transactional way that many of us have become accustomed to. Along with her desire to continually be learning, Sarah has also become passionate about the outdoors. Knowing the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle, it's easy to make the connection between her practice and conserving our wild places. This is a great conversation and if you're in the greater Austin area, you should definitely check out her practice.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by Neil Keown from Sawback Technologies. Sawback Technologies is a geo-data collection service based out of Calgary, Alberta. The guys kick off the conversation talking about Sawback and the path that led Neil to starting his own company. Sawback uses an old technology in a new way to help oil and gas companies, construction companies and the agricultural industry to survey land and what's under it to help minimize potential incidents when digging. Neil was introduced to the outdoors later in life and has since cannonballed into both fishing and hunting. Neil knew that when he started Sawback he'd have an opportunity to use his company to help wildlife and lessen his overall footprint while doing so. This is a great conversation full of great information as it pertains to surveying our wild places.

Joining Marcus on the podcast this week is Clint Salisbury. Clint is the Regional Director in Michigan for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The guys kick things off talking about Clint's path that brought him to RMEF and why he always looked at this type of position as a dream job. From there, they spend the rest of the conversation discussing elk in Michigan. Clint gives a good history on the elk herd and how conservation work has been able to restore it to the healthiest that it has been in sometime, if not ever. Drawing an elk tag in Michigan is something most will never get to experience given that only roughly 300 tags are given out each year depending on herd numbers. However, in recent years, those hunters have posted an 80% success rate and with that a part of history in Michigan. Harvesting an elk in Michigan for most is a dream hunt and with the tireless work that volunteers are doing hopefully more get that chance to fulfill that dream.

This week Marcus gets to sit down in person at a recent Totally Archery Challenge event and talk with Dane and Dustin from Hardside Hydration. The guys get to talk about all that is new with Hardside since they joined the podcast last summer and how they've made their Swig Rig even better. Dane and Dustin talk about what makes their product so unique and the satisfaction they get from helping solve a problem that many backcountry hunters face as well as some new product ideas they have in the works. The group also discusses some early planning for next hunting season and a clean up they are planning to do in Michigan later this summer. If you're looking for a new hydration setup for your next hunt, look no further than the Swig Rig!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Justin Madron. Justin is the owner and founder of 2% Certified Farther Afield Design. The guys cover a lot of ground during their conversation ranging from childhood memories to voting lines and grouse hunting. Growing up in a rural area of West Virginia, the outdoors is all that Justin had to keep himself occupied and from that a love for wild places grew. Justin gives some good examples of how his company is using geospatial data to help a number of different companies and nonprofits alike to further their mission along with explaining the difference between what Farther Afield does and how someone like goHUNT is using their mapping system. This is a great conversation from start to finish!

Joining Marcus on the podcast this week is Mike Schmillen. Mike is the owner of 2% Certified, River City Tile & Stone. The guys cover a lot of ground in this conversation including how Mike started the business, the importance of spending time with you kids outdoors and the importance of giving back to conservation. Having grown up in the outdoors and been exposed to conservation work at a young age, Mike is doing his best to pass that same love and passion along to his family. Mike tells a good story about some work he and his team did last year helping remove and repair fencing to allow for easier pronghorn migration in southwest Montana; how not only will it help the pronghorn, but all of the other species in the area as well. Mike and his crew are not only getting involved in large scale projects like that, but are doing a ton of work locally in Minnesota as well. Mike is all about doing the right thing to ensure that generations to come are afforded the same opportunities we are today.

Sitting down with Marcus this week is wild game chef Jaime Tiegen. Jaime is part of the newly launched e-learning platform OutdoorClass. OutdoorClass offers a variety of different video series helping hunters take the next step in their outdoor journey, from elk and mule deer hunting to the final steps of cooking and enjoying your harvest. Jaime talks about her training as a chef and why she enjoys cooking over open flames on her Burch Barrel. If you're looking for a great new wild game recipe as well as a ton of great information from some of the industries best, be sure and sign up for OutdoorClass today.Use code AVERAGE at checkout and save 20%.

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Jorde Matthews and Robert Hilliker from 2% Certified Campfire Manufacturing. Campfire Manufacturing is an outdoor lifestyle apparel brand based out of Colorado and Texas. The conversation kicks off with Jorde and Robert talking about what it is that they do and how they were introduced to the outdoors. The guys talk about how the outdoors is such a powerful tool to connect with friends and family and how they arrived on the brand's name. Jorde discusses the turning point in his outdoor journey after having kids and how that changed his entire outlook and perspective as it pertains to conservation. Campfire Manufacturing offers a ton of awesome gear from men, women and children and raises money for conservation in the process. If you're in the market for some new gear, be sure and check them out at campfiremfg.com.

This week on the podcast, Marcus sits down with Dan Johnson from Sportsmens Empire. For the most part, the guys get to have as Dan would say, a good old fashion BS session. During their chat, they talk about this year's turkey season and how expectations tend to change over the years, as well as what's to come with the rebranding of Sportsmens Empire. Dan also discusses the growth of the network, the Hot to Hunt Deer Podcast that he started last year with the National Deer Association and how he's tackling conservation in his home state of Iowa. This episode is filled with a lot of stories and laughs and you won't want to miss it.