Your Mountain

On Wednesday, June 11, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) released a proposal that mandates the sale of 2-3 million acres of public lands in 11 Western States (except Montana). You've probably seen the talking points, but what does the proposal actually say, and what would it actually do. Dave and Nephi do a deep dive into the text, and let you know all of the gory details. Hint: don't take the bait that this is about "affordable housing."It isn't. We will explain.  Share this podcast with everyone you know. This is not a drill. This is not crying wolf. This is something that could actually happen. Time is of the essence.  Oh, and thanks for listening to our 200th episode! 

State Game Commissions set hunting seasons and bag limits, and direct wildlife management of all species in their states. Anti-hunters know this, which is why Commissions are under attack. The guys discuss a proposal in Colorado that could take authority away from the state game commission and lead to a reduction in hunting opportunities. They also discuss some of the chaos that's going on with the Washington Game Commission. 

The proposal to sell or otherwise dispose of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah was pulled from the US House Reconciliation bill. The guys talk about how it happened, and how Representative Zinke's red line, along with hundreds of thousands of public lands lovers from across the country speaking out, helped pull a rabbit out of a hat. They also discuss what still lies ahead with the Senate. Other topics include: OnX's last minute blunder, and other pieces you might care about that are both in and out of the reconiciliation bill--like Ambler Road(out), the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (in), and tax relief on suppresors (in). Lots covered in this one. 

It happened. Through a middle of  the night amendment to the House Natural Resources Committee Reconciliation bill, nearly 500,000 acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada were identified for expidited sale/exchange. The guys break this down, and give some options for staying engaged in the process. 

You've probably seen the rumors about selling public lands using a process called Reconciliation. But, what exactly is that process, and what would it mean for public lands. The guys break down the Reconciliation process, and why public lands are on the radar of some law makers. Then, they talk about the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, and explain why selling lands that may even already be deemed suitable for disposal through Reconciliation vs. the established process through FLPMA would only serve to hurt public lands. Lastly, they'll talk about what you can do to get involved. Oh, yeah, they also have a bro-country battle that nearly gets Nephi expelled from the podcast. 

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals just found that corner crossing--the act of crossing from one parcel of federal land to another parcel of federal land while momentarily passing through the airspace of a private landowner--is legal (in 6 states). Dave and Nephi explain the decision, talk about the states where the judgment applies, and what it means for hunters, anglers, and recreationists everywhere.  If you've listened to prior episodes, you know we've been urging restraint and seeking more clarity from the court. This opinion provides that clarity. Join us in tipping our hats to the four hunters who endured years of legal stress, and their lawyers that skillfully litigated the case. The public will benefit because of it. 

This episode is wonkier than most--and that's saying something. Newly minted Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, recently issued a series of Secretarial Orders that have some in the conservation space criticizing him. Dave and Nephi give a civics 101 and explain what a Secretarial Order is and what they do. Next, they dive into some of the orders Secretary Burgum issued and explain what they do. Spoiler: Not much--yet. If you like fast pace and drama, this episode might not be for you. In fact, both Nephi and Dave got distracted doing other things while recording. But, if you're interested in learning about some of the nuts and bolts that may ultimately lead to some drama, tune in. 

Thousands of federal employees within the country's land management agencies were recently laid off.  Dave and Nephi try to explain what happened, why it happened, and what it could mean for everything from grizzly bear delisting to enjoying your national parks. They also tell you who to contact if you've got concerns. Lastly, Dave made a mistake in this one by identifying the wrong position title of someone let go--but it doesn't change the impact. It's a bit of a somber discussion, but a necessary one--and one many of you asked us to discuss.  

In early Jamuary, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule that denied Montana and Wyoming's petition to delist grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems. The reasons behind the decision are complicated. Dave and Nephi explain what happened, and what the decision could mean for grizzlies going forward. 

In this quick hitter, Dave and Nephi provide an update on the State of Utah's efforts to dispose of public lands--calling their perpetual ownership by the federal government unconstitutional. In a one sentence order, the United States Supreme Court declined to exercise its original jurisdiction and hear Utah's case. The guys explain the decision and what comes next for Utah, and for public lands.

Dave and Nephi talk about what to expect as the Biden administration winds down and transitions to the Trump administration. They discuss what could happen to recent decisions of the Biden administration in the new administration, what the Congressional Review Act is and how will it apply, what last minute secretarial or directors mean, what to expect from the incoming Secretary of Interior on energy policy and conservation, the power of hunter/angler voices in a new administration, and more. They also discuss their 2024 elk hunting season, which including Nephi outperforming Dave.

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in a back room of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conferfence in September of 2024, and thought the file was lost forever, but some Nephi wizardry brought it back from the dead. The guys are joined by renound wildlife biologist, Jim Heffelfinger, as well as Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Partnership.  They share some of the major takeaways from this leading edge conference including: better ways to facilitate species recovery through creative application of the Endangered Species Act, and voluntary programs to reduce lead impacts on wildlife including ammo buy-back, use of different ammunitition types, and best management practices in the field. Everyone also shares their "mountain." This episode was worth the three month wait! Check it out!

13 states have joined Utah in calling for the disposal of public lands. Dave and Nephi discuss which states, and what this means. They also discuss the banning of recreational shooting in Bears Ears National Monument, and provide an update on a bill that would allow Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. We call this segment--how to kill a bill. 

Bird numbers are down sharply across North America over the past 50 years. Dave and Nephi dive into some of the data about what's killing all the birds, and discuss a little bit about what can be done to mitigate some of the losses. Hint: cats don't come out looking great in this episode.

In late August, the state of Utah asked the United States Supreme Court to hear a case, where if Utah prevails, it could force the federal government to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of more than 18 million acres of public lands in Utah, and potentially hundreds of millions of acres of public lands across the country to states, or the highest bidder. Dave and Nephi take a deep dive into the issue discussing topics like: Utah's claims, how we got here, whether a decision favorable to Utah would include lands outside of Utah or lands beyond the Bureau of Land Management. They also discuss what happens if the Supreme Court declines to hear the case (hint: that's not the end of it), what they might want legislatively, their $12 million public education campaign, and other things you should know about this effort. If you are passionate about public lands, you should not miss this episode!

Organizers in Colorado gathered enough signatures to put a proposal to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting on the ballot this fall. Gaspar Perricone has been fighting this, and other ballot box biology efforts for years. He joins Dave and Nephi to discuss what it all means for the future of hunting and wildlife management. The guys also raise a glass to former co-host Mike McGrady for his recent appointment to a judgeship. Audio is a little choppy in spots, but don't let that keep you from listening to this important episode. 

A lot of people in the media have opinions on Project 2025, a conservative think tank's vision for a republican led government. But, has anyone actually read it? Dave and Nephi breakdown what it actually says about the future of public lands and wildlife. Spoiler: it's a mixed bag. The guys also discuss a new innovative pilot project to encourage non-lead ammunition use on certain National Wildlife Refuges around the country. Double Spoiler: Nephi is fresh out of knee surgery and still a bit groggy at the time of recording, which means he doesn't hold back! 

The Supreme Court recently overturned the 40 year old Chevron Doctrine, which required courts to give discretion to agency interpretations of the statutes Congress entrusted them with administering. Dave and Nephi break down the history of the Chevorn Doctrine, what the Supreme Court actually said, and what the pros and cons of this decision could be.  

Dave is getting lazy. It took him almost a month to publish this episode after recording it. However, the timing is still good. Recently the States of Wyoming and Utah sued the federal government to challenge the Bureau of Land Management's controversial "Public Lands Rule". In this episode, Dave and Nephi discuss the rule. What it does. What it doesn't do. Where the concerns are valid, and where they could be misplaced. Lots to unpack in this one. 

The guys break down a number of current events in hunting and conservation. First, they condem the torture and killing of a wolf in Wyoming. Then, they analyze ways to address a gap in the law to ensure behavior like this is appropriately punished if it ever occurs again. Next, they break down the U.S. House passing the EXPLORE Act and a recent court decision in the long running Tribal Treaty hunting rights case of Herrera v. Wyoming. Other topics include, a safe storage firearms bill in Minnesota, a teaser on sage grouse management plans in the west, joining the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Annual Meeting, a thank you to a retiring state wildlife agency director, and more. Tell us what you think at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com.

Technological innovations are a way of life and influence hunters every year. State wildlife agencies and state legislatures are constantly trying to balance principles of fair chase with the benefits of new technology to hunters. In this episode, the guys discuss some of that technology and debate whether or not it should be used in hunting. Technologies discussed include: Drones, long range rifles, cross bows, trail cams, magnified optics, suppressors, radios, calls, decoys, electronic calls, expanding bullets, e-bikes, thermals, artifical light, gps, and more. Agree or disagree with the discussion? Let us know at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com.    

Earlier in February, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made a determination that a population of wolves delisted years ago in the Western United States should not be relisted under the Endangered Species Act. However, the decision is more complicated than that, and could create some unintended consequences for these states down the line. The guys explain that, and the entire legal history that got us to this point.  

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in January to, among other things, alert non-resident hunters of changes to elk hunting application processes in Wyoming. Of course, they didn't release the episode until mid-February--after the application deadline. So, hopefully it helps for 2025. Other topics discussed include: upcoming sage grouse management plans, the complexitiy of state hunting/fishing regulations, hunting state lands in Nebraska, wolf release in Colorado, corner crossing, and more. Want more frequent episodes? Shoot us a note and let us know at  yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com. 

In an episode recorded a month ago, but only released today because Dave dropped the ball on doing his part to keep this podcast going, the guys discuss a controversial state land disposal proposal near Grand Teton National Park and a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the constitutionality of Wisconsin's hunter harassment law. Other topics include: Nephi possessing the rifle that gave Steven Rinella trichinosis, a first elk story, and Dave shamelessly plugs a recently published book that includes a chapter he wrote. It's available everywhere...that sells books about the Endangered Species Act. Take a listen, and we'll record more! 

Hunting season is well underway, which means the guys aren't recording much, and when they do they take weeks to publish. However, they found time to sit down and talk about some current events that hunters and anglers should care about. They discuss: collaboration in SW Wyoming on land use planning; wolf reintroduction; ballot box biology strikes again in Colorado to try to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting; and the MapWater Act. They also recount their elk hunting experience this fall. Spoiler alert: only one of them punched their tag, and it wasn't Nephi. 

The guys sit down with Josh Coursey, CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and host of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, to discuss a controversial Resource Management Plan (RMP) in Southwest Wyoming. They correct misinformation about the draft RMP,  speak to the importance of local collaboratives, explain how the Bureau of Land Management could have more effectively rolled out the draft, and dive deeply into the importance of participating in the planning process. Then, Josh shares his Mountain. Whether you are from Wyoming, or enjoy public lands elsewhere in the country, this episode gives you some important tips on how to make your voice heard. 

Chris Tymeson earns his gold jacket by joining the guys for the fifth time--this time representing Safari Club International (SCI). They discuss the history of SCI, and the type of legal and governmental affairs work SCI does on behalf of hunters around the country and world. In a Your Mountain first, Chris also arbitrates a series of disputes between Dave and Nephi. They also share a tribute to a giant of conservation, the late Miles Moretti. Tune in!

Dave and Nephi are back after taking a podcasing summer break. In this episode, the guys run down some of the biggest conservation stories that took place while they were climbing peaks, fishing, and entering shooting competitions. Topics include: a new national monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Evnironmental Protection Agency and waters of the US, National Public Lands Day, National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Dave tries to ruin Nephi's elk hunt before it even starts.   

The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft rule that, if finalized, would significantly change the way in which oil and gas leases are issued on public lands. The guys break down what it means for the industry, and the public at large. They also offer a tip of the hat to Backcountry Hunter and Anglers CEO, Land Tawney. 

A recent study shows that support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports in the United States has declined over the past 3 years (though it's still very high). The guys dive into the results, what it means for hunters and anglers, and things to think about to ensure strong public support long into the future.  

Jonathan Wood from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) joins the guys to discuss a landmark SCOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, which defines "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act.  They break down the decision and explain what it means for states, landowners, hunters, and others. Johathan also shares his Mountain. Don't miss this episode--it certainly isn't dry.  

In a long anticipated decision, a Federal judge recently found that four hunters did not commit a civil trespass when corner crossing in Wyoming's checkerboard lands. Great news for those four hunters, but what about the rest of us? Is corner crossing now legal? The guys break down the decision and explain what it might mean for you as you plan your public land hunt this fall. Spoiler: the decision doesn't go as far as you might think.

The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule that would allow companies, individuals, and NGOs to lease lands for restoration. They also propose to elevate conservation as a multiple use on par with other land uses. This proposal has generated some controversy. Dave and Nephi assign themselves different perspectives and discuss. 

Congress is considering several bills that would remove a number of species from the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Dave and Nephi discuss them. Other topics include: bird flu in California condors; catastrophic losses of pronghorn and mule deer this winter; Wyoming's corner crossing case; and the Colorado legislature's new action on wolf reintroduction (note: the bill has passed since recording this episode).

The Biden administration recently gave the green light to a controversial oil project in northern Alaska. Dave and Nephi wade into the issue. They discuss why many in the conservation world oppose it, why others support it--including how it fits into the national security debate and the climate debate. They also provide an update on a New Mexico stream access case, provide a PSA about leaving stressed wildlife alone, answer a listener question about lead/copper ammunition, and preview a future episode of the Your Mountain podcast. 

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it would consider Montana's and Wyoming's petitions to delist grizzly bears. The guys do a deep dive into the decision, the state politics, the legal process, and what it means for grizzly bears in the West.  They also discuss a frustrating trend in state legislatures, and Dave encourages attending a convention that's already occurred! Check us out, and then shoot us a note at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com

Dave and Nephi break down a bill that could require leasing tens of millions of acres of public land to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve. They also discuss the administration's decision to prevent mineral leasing in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota, and to reinstate roadless rule protections in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Finally, the guys discuss a proposal to allow mountain lion pursuit with dogs after a tag's been filled. Enjoying the content? Ideas for an episode? Let us know. Send an email to yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com, rate us, and find us on social media @itsyourmountain.  

Grizzly bears and wolves remain hot topics. Dave and Nephi provide an update on Colorado's efforts to reintroduce wolves, and how the public can get involved in the process. Then, they break down a recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that challenged grizzly bear recovery plans, and discuss what the decision means for bear recovery/delisting. Next, the guys highlight a few bills circulating in state legislatures that are worth following, including bills about corner crossing, hunting predators with infrared technology, lead alternative programs, range day requirements for hunters education, and more. Other topics include: Safari Club International's wildlife law CLE, a Mule Deer Foundation banquet, SHOT Show, and more.  

Dave and Nephi end 2022 discussing some hot topics in conservation, including a Recovering America's Widlife Act update (update since recording: it didn't pass in 2022), and teeing up a needed deeper dive into the Montana Crazy Mountains access saga. They also discuss the resolution of a recent case brought by Center for Biological Diversity challenging lead use on wildlife refuges, which gets Nephi a bit fired up. Next, they give a 30,000 ft view of the Colorado River Compact, the river system, and the unprecedented drought that is pushing the west toward the biggest water war this country has ever seen. Tune in, and then join us for more new episodes in 2023!

Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy at the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), joins the guys to discuss some contentious access issues in the West. They dive into a New Mexico stream access case that may find its way to the US Supreme Court, and then provide an update on a land access dispute in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. Other topics include: whether Nephi should host the podcast; market-based envionmental solutions; listing the lesser priaire chicken; Jonathan's mountain; and more. Enjoying the podcast? Give us a 5 star rating, follow us on social media, send us an email at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com; and most importantly--tell your friends. Thanks for the support--it means everything. 

The guys take a deep dive into the history of wildlife management in America, using Wyoming's journey as as example. They discuss: how wildlife laws progressed from the 1860s to the modern era; how important the Pittman-Robertson Act passing was to state management efforts; what revenues make up state wildlife agency budgets; why the firearms industry supports the Pittman-Robertson Act, what the Recovering America's Wildlife Act would do for states; and more. They also try to match attorneys with conservation organizations in need of pro bono legal services. Take a listen, and then email yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com with future show ideas.  

Renowned biologist, and Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Jim Hellelfinger, joins the podcast for a deep dive into the good science, bad science, politics, influencers, successes, and failures associated with Mexican gray wolf recovery. Jim's captivating story spans several decades and will leave you both appreciating and questioning science and the motives of people. It will also leave you with a better understanding of what it takes to recover carismatic and controversial species under the Endangered Species Act. Tune in--you won't regret it!  

In this episode, Dave asks for help understanding the impacts Eurasian collared doves have on mourning doves. The guys also discuss the issues surrounding importing harvested game birds from Canada; how the damages claimed by the landowner in Wyoming's corner-crossing case are a head scratcher; and new attacks on the Pittman-Robertson Act from some in the environmental community. Tune in. Have show ideas? Send them to us at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com. 

Dave and Nephi provide updates on the RETURN Act (Pittman-Robertson defunding act) and the infamous corner crossing case from Wyoming. Then they dive into the freshly passed (as of today) Inflation Reduction Act. Love the bill or hate it, the guys don't care. They just hope to cut through the hyperpartisan politics dominating the airwaves, and let you know some of the pieces in the bill that would send funding towards conservation. Take a listen, and tell your friends about the Your Mountain Podcast!

In late June, nearly 5 dozen members of Congress co-sponsored a bill that would end the 100+ year excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which contributes more than $1.1 billion to state wildlife agencies each year. Dave and Nephi explain the history of the Pittman-Robertson Act, break down the bill, discuss how the excise taxes are used, and explain why the bill won't pass but needs the hunting community to kill it anyway. Take a listen, and then call your Congressman. 

After a month away from recording due to Nephi building a house and Dave completing a fellowship in Europe, the guys are back. They discuss Recoving America's Wildlife Act, the major Congressional hurdle it cleared, and when it might become law. They also discuss a land acquisition by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming that creates access to 70,000 of public land, and the controversy surrounding the purchase. Other topics include: hunting draw results, Nephi moving, why soccer is a boring, and more. Tune in, and if you have ideas for future episodes, shoot us a note at: yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com 

The guys discuss a recent bill in Congress that would ban lead ammunition on US Fish and Willdife Service lands. They also jump back into the corner crossing issue with an analysis of the Wyoming litigation. Other topics include, transferrable landowner tags, National Corndog Day, why Nephi constantly interrupts Dave, and a teaser on a Sunday hunting case in Maine. Tune in!

After a long absence, Mike McGrady rejoins the podcast to discuss the open fields doctrine and search and seizure laws under state and federal constitutions. They explain what the open fields doctrine is, the cases that gave rise to it during prohibition, and a recent Tennessee decision limiting a game warden's ability to enter private property. Other topics include: trona mining, and the importance of the 4th Amendment. 

Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joins the guys to talk about the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Topics include: what is the model; does the model work; what are the biggest threats to the model; should we rethink the model; Tim's mountain; and more. 

NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE US BANNING RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS, BUT THE MATERIAL REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY.  Nephi and Dave discuss oil and gas policy in the US since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Topics include: the problems with the “drill baby drill” and “keep it in the ground” mindsets; why energy companies aren't drilling; why renewable energy has its own challenges; balancing development and conservation; will we have more ammo shortages; and more. 

A Federal District Court just reinstated protections for wolves in 44 states, and the Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will consider whether to relist wolves in the Northern Rockies. What does this all mean? Dave and Nephi dive in, but leave a lot of questions on the table for a future episode. Tune in.