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In our previous episode, we discussed that conservation is at a crossroads. More people are turning to nature and the outdoors for health and fulfillment, yet far too many are demonstrating a lack of knowledge of the differences between conservation and preservation and the benefits of both. As a result, emotion is trumping science, sound conservation actions are being pulled in all directions or tied up in court, and harmful measures are showing up on ballot initiatives. In this episode, we drill deeper into this topic with Shane Mahoney, president and CEO of Conservation Visions. We begin by reflecting on a quote from Aldo Leopold's book, A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949. “There must be some force behind conservation— more universal than profit, less awkward than government, less ephemeral than sport; something that reaches into all times and places, where men live on the land, something that brackets everything from rivers to raindrops, from whales to hummingbirds, from land estates to window-boxes. I can see only one such force: a respect for land as an organism; a voluntary decency in land-use exercised by every citizen and every landowner out of a sense of a love for and obligation to that great biota we call America. This is the meaning of conservation, and this is the task of conservation education.” We end up with the need to create an overarching conservation policy, a conservation template that puts wildlife, the environment, and more people all on the same page. How we get there is the challenge.
Is conservation at a crossroads? If challenges to wildlife and the environment are evolving and, in many cases, mounting. If we believe that conservation is everyone's responsibility and that it is a progressive journey rather than a final destination, then we are at a crossroads. The conservation movement in the early 1900s was born out of crisis. We were taking too much off the land and taking too much for granted. The Environmental Revolution of the 1906s and 70s was another gut check. Both resulted in the establishment of new laws, organizations, and institutions to address the challenges of those days. We knew what was bad and wasn't working, and we set out to fix things with nothing more than the motivation that using natural resources wisely and not wasting them was the right thing to do. In those days, there wasn't a roadmap to follow, nor was there a conservation policy or constitution to hold up as a litmus test for decision-making. Would something like an overarching conservation policy, something a board cross-section of stakeholders could agree upon, take conservation into the next century? In this episode of Sheep Fever, we talk with Conservation Visions president and CEO Shane Mahoney about where conservation is today, what it is facing, how it is being pulled in all directions, and the need, for the lack of a better term, a conservation template that puts wildlife, the environment, and people all in the same house. After all, we are living in the same house.
Conservation has increasingly become a global topic and a global effort. In this episode, Sheep Fever co-host Keith Balford visits with Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, to discuss various topics, including the growing connectivity between conservation efforts here in North America and those happening beyond our borders. You'll learn how influential our North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is in other countries struggling to do what is best for wildlife and people, especially in the context of how important internal hunting is to these countries when most of their revenue comes from US sportsmen. The conversation shifts to an informative discussion on how hunting and sustainable use are being challenged like never before, who and what's behind these increased efforts, and what can be done. The question is raised: is our current suite of hunter-conservationist organizations built to take on such challenges when the focus for many is species conservation, not bumper sticker campaigns and ballot initiatives being proposed by anti-hunter groups? Shane believes it's time for an overarching wildlife conservation policy to codify successes to date that can't be denied, one that accounts for the challenges wildlife faces today and into the future and guards against those pushing for change for the sake of change yet are offering no durable solutions other than they don't like hunters hunting.
Matt and Jim speak with renowned author and conservationist, Shane Mahoney. Shane is the President of Conservation Visions and the Founder of the Wild Harvest Initiative. Shane is recognized as an international conservationist and wildlife advocate and is considered the foremost expert on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
In Episode 198 I sat down with Shane Mahoney with Conservation Visions at the 38th Annual Texas Wildlife Association Convention to visit about the role of hunting and fishing in today's world as well as those who participate directly and indirectly in the taking of animals, birds, fish and other wild harvests and how important it is for people for to have an understanding about where food comes from and the connection between people and food, specifically that derived from the wild. Fascinating discussion with one the world's greatest speakers and wildlife conservation advocates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the final episode of our 5 part series, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions and Randy Newberg conclude their discussion on the Wild Harvest Initiative, a massive, year over year, effort to collect and analyze data surrounding wild harvest and its social and economical impacts. In this episode, Shane and Randy discuss wild harvest beyond North America and passing on the ideas and skills associated with wild harvest! Shane and his crew have worked very hard to collect data surrounding wild harvest and wild food consumption for the past 6 years. To see their entire breadth of work, please visit the Wild Harvest Initiative website. Wild Harvest Initiative - https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/initiative/ For early access to the entire initiative series, join us on Fresh Tracks + - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Episode 4 of our 5 part podcast series, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions and Randy Newberg continue their discussion on the Wild Harvest Initiative, a massive, year over year, effort to collect and analyze data surrounding wild harvest and its social and economical impacts. In this episodes, Shane and Randy chat about the economic realties of hunting, the economic benefits of hunting, and the impact of hunting on conservation funding. Shane and his crew have worked very hard to collect data surrounding wild harvest and wild food consumption for the past 6 years. To see their entire breadth of work, please visit the Wild Harvest Initiative website. Wild Harvest Initiative - https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/initiative/ For early access to the entire initiative series, join us on Fresh Tracks + - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Episode 3 of our 5 part podcast series, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions and Randy Newberg continue their discussion on the Wild Harvest Initiative, a massive, year over year, effort to collect and analyze data surrounding wild harvest and its social and economical impacts. In this episodes, Shane and Randy dive head first into some of the statistics gathered from Shane and his crew's research, discuss the human impact on the landscape, as well as jump into hunting as a method of conservation. Shane and his crew have worked very hard to collect data surrounding wild harvest and wild food consumption for the past 6 years. To see their entire breadth of work, please visit the Wild Harvest Initiative website. Wild Harvest Initiative - https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/initiative/ For early access to the entire initiative series, join us on Fresh Tracks + - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Episode 2 of our 5 part podcast series, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions and Randy Newberg pickup their discussion on the Wild Harvest Initiative, a massive, year over year, effort to collect and analyze data surrounding wild harvest and its social and economical impacts. In this episodes, Shane and Randy take a deep dive into topics such as food insecurity, the idea of One Health, the health benefits of wild harvest and the spiritual connection between humans, wild things and wild places. Shane and his crew have worked very hard to collect data surrounding wild harvest and wild food consumption for the past 6 years. To see their entire breadth of work, please visit the Wild Harvest Initiative website. Wild Harvest Initiative - https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/initiative/ For early access to the entire initiative series, join us on Fresh Tracks + - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions and Randy Newberg introduce the Wild Harvest Initiative, a 6 year data collection project that exhibits the impact and necessity of wild food in North America. As defined by the Wild Harvest Initiative team, "Wild Harvest Initiative® is the first serious effort to evaluate the combined economic, conservation, and social benefits of recreational wild animal harvests in modern American and Canadian societies. The program's structured, science-based approach, combined with its long-term advocacy and knowledge mobilization strategies, provides a new and innovative assessment of wildlife's value and the benefits of wild harvest activities not just to hunters and anglers, but to all citizens, including even those who are opposed to animal use. Its mission is to educate, advocate, build and inspire alliances, and influence public and political opinion to positively impact people and nature." Learn more at https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/initiative/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One Health is not a new concept, but it has gained momentum with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and others following the COVID pandemic. One Health promotes the fact that human health is directly tied to the health of the environment, including wildlife, plants, clean air, and clean water. While at the 2023 Sheep Show, Keith visited with wildlife veterinary expert and past Chair of the Wild Sheep Foundation Peregrine Wolff, and Shane Mahoney, president and CEO of Conservation Visions. Their conversation explores how One Health could engage more people in the conservation and management of natural resources, which should lead to a better understanding of the historical role hunters and anglers have played and continue to play in healthy ecosystems.
Outdoor programming on television has come a long way since its inception, with more and more shows covering the conservation benefits of hunting and fishing. However, the majority of shows air on outdoor networks favored by sportsmen. The broader public that would benefit from this knowing these benefits have been harder to reach. While at the 2023 Sheep Show, Keith sat down with Dan Cabela and Conservation Visions president and CEO Shane Mahoney to talk about Dan's new television series, Hard Truths, airing on a much more diverse platform, the History Channel.
If there's a hot topic aimed at the future of hunting today, it's trophy hunting. Gray and Keith sit down with our community's sage advisor, Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions. Like the word conservation, trophy hunting has been highjacked by those trying to advance an anti-hunting agenda. This time as a bumper sticker campaign to launch into a more personal effort, anti-hunter. Is the negative stereotype surrounding the notion of trophy hunting something we should be concerned about? Should we have adjectives that describe different types of hunting, or is hunting just hunting? Better yet, is trophy hunting conservation?
How can wildlife be safeguarded and valued whilst the dignity and rights of people are respected? Shane Mahoney @cv_insights is an internationally recognised wildlife expert and conservation advocate – and is the Founder and President of Canadian enterprise Conservation Visions.Born and raised in Newfoundland, Shane has a unique insight into the inter-relationship of wildlife, individuals, communities and environments. In this episode he shares with Gordon his thoughts on historical narratives around conservation, and what nature can teach us about finding a way forwards. He's worked extensively to advocate for transformation in governments and institutions to help them to reassess their values and goals around conservation.Shane has a unique background in science, history and philosophy. He says that the diversity of the natural world and human cultures remind us that multiple visions are necessary to make conservation work. Listen in on this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan.Visit the website https://jammainternational.com to explore more amazing international projects. https://twitter.com/cv_insights https://www.conservationvisions.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
148 DSC Campfires with Larry Weishuhn talking with world renown wildlife conservationist Shane Mahoney discussing his thoughts, and shares facts surrounding his creation of Conservation Visions and the Wild Harvest Initiative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is proud to introduce the man, the myth, the legend, the Godfather of Conservation Mr. Shane Mahoney. On this episode we sit down with Shane Mahoney all the way from Newfoundland, Canada, Jesse Debeul Executive Director for the NMWF who was on his way to a turkey hunt and Kami Elsisie the Communications and Education Outreach Coordinator for NMWF. We talked with Shane about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, Indigenous communities, the Wildlife Harvest Initiative and so much more. Give a listen and get involved with the Wild Harvest Initiative by visiting Conservation Visions of The Wild Harvest Initiative website. https://thewildharvestinitiative.com/https://www.conservationvisions.com/
Brief Summary of Show: Travis speaks with Hank Shaw who is a James Beard Award-winning author and chef who focuses all his energies on wild foods: foraging, fishing and hunting. Travis and Hank discuss a wide array of topics including what causes some meats to taste gamey, strategies or game care, tips for the new hunter, angler and forager and how Covid has affected the landscape of wild food collection. Hank tells us about his most recent book, with is more of a life project, Hook, Line and Supper. Pre-order Hook, Line and Supper through Amazon or https://honest-food.net/hank-shaw-books/ Topics discussed in this episode: Intro [00:00:00 - 00:02:05] Increased attention / interest during COVID [00:02:05 - 00:04:10] Mushroom picking, hunting squirrels & the bubonic plague [00:04:10 - 00:07:45] Hanks background of foraging, gardening, angling & hunting [00:07:45 - 00:08:18] What brought Hank to write his books in the order that he did [00:08:18 - 00:16:44] Spanish classes & Mexican cooking [00:16:44 - 00:23:58] Peoples fear of food, and sharing spots to mushroom pick or crab, etc. [00:23:58 - 00:32:14] Shane Mahoney & having ‘skin in the game' as a hunter, angler or forager [00:32:14 - 00:39:47] Tips for late onset hunters [00:39:47 - 00:50:37] Small game vs. big game and gamey meat & game care [00:50:37 - 01:08:17] Hanks new book & his social media platforms [01:08:17 - 01:12:56] Outro [01:12:56 - 01:13:47] Explore these Resources In this episode, we mentioned the following resources which may be beneficial to you: Silvercore [00:00:10] [00:00:21] [00:00:24] [00:00:31] [00:00:46] [00:01:22] Ultimate Firefighter Tuition Giveaway [00:00:47] Training Division [00:00:49] [00:01:02] Gwar [00:01:33] [00:01:37] [00:22:57] Hank Shaw [00:01:34] [00:15:09] April Vokey [00:28:48] [00:28:51] MeatEater [00:29:02] [00:29:59] Steve Rinella [00:06:09] [00:30:02] [00:53:17] Hook, Line and Supper [00:08:33] [00:43:38] Duck, Duck, Goose [00:09:36] [00:10:35] Buck, Buck, Moose [00:09:42] [01:09:00] Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail [00:09:45] Honest Food [00:15:11] [01:11:40] [01:11:40] James Beard [00:15:55] Rio Grande Turkey [00:17:12] Eastern Wild Turkey [00:17:22] Nixtaco [00:21:35] Control Machete [00:23:00] [00:23:04] Kinky [00:23:13] [00:23:14] El Gran Silencio [00:23:15] Plastilina Mosh [00:23:20] [00:23:22] Point Reyes National Seashore [00:31:27] Shane Mahoney [00:32:17] [00:34:16] [00:34:33] [00:41:28] Cod Sounds [00:32:36] Conservation Visions [00:33:24] The Wild Harvest Initiative [00:33:26] D'Artagnan [00:41:38] Sam Thayer [00:45:51] René Redzepi [01:04:46] Magnus Nilsson [01:04:50] Hunt, Gather, Cook (book) [01:11:52] HuntGatherCook.com [01:12:04] Hunt Gather Cook (Facebook Page) Follow us: Podcast YouTube Newsletter Instagram Facebook Follow our Host Instagram: @ Bader.Trav Learn More about Silvercore Silvercore Club Online Training Other Training & Services Merchandise CORE Training Management Resources (TMR) Blog Page
Travis speaks with Shane Mahoney from the Wild Harvest Initiative. Shane is an international authority on wildlife conservation and is a rare combination of scientist, historian and philosopher. Shane is a gifted orator and insightful thinker with a profound commitment to wild nature, rural societies, and to the sustainable use of the earth's natural resources. If you have a story that would be of value to the Silvercore audience, or know someone who does, email us at podcast@silvercore.ca. We would love to hear from you! Topics discussed in this episode: Intro [00:00:00 - 00:02:07] What sparked Shane's journey as a conservationist [00:02:07 - 00:12:34] Biggest challenges to lifestyle of sustainable use of wildlife and resources [00:12:34 - 00:18:42] Desire of self-sufficiency, intention of the Wild Harvest Initiative [00:18:42 - 00:27:00] Data on available & harvested resources & supporters of Wild Harvest Initiative [00:27:00 - 00:34:53] How individuals can get involved and support the Wild Harvest Initiative [00:34:53 - 00:38:24] Establishing a new movement in society & what one person is capable of [00:38:24 - 00:42:57] Surveys being done on on hunters sharing wild meat & what the Wild Harvest Initiative is about [00:42:57 - 00:48:09] Outro [00:48:09 - 00:51:46] Explore these Resources In this episode, we mentioned the following resources which may be beneficial to you: Silvercore [00:00:10] [00:00:21] [00:00:24] [00:00:31] [00:01:27] [00:01:48] [00:51:26] SMART Fire Academy [00:00:47] Shane Mahoney [00:01:09] [00:41:50] Conservation Visions [00:01:04] [00:41:52] Wild Harvest Initiative [00:01:06] [00:02:05] [00:20:31] [00:20:51] [00:36:13] [00:36:34] [00:37:25] [00:41:54] [00:42:23] [00:48:06] [00:49:43] Bass Pro [00:29:46] [00:36:25] Cabela's [00:29:47] Johnny Morris [00:29:49] Leupold [00:29:55] Sitka [00:30:00] Mystery Ranch [00:30:01] Dallas Safari Club [00:30:16] Wild Sheep Foundation [00:30:18] [00:32:02] Backcountry Hunters and Anglers [00:30:27] [00:48:59] Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation [00:30:30] US Sportsmen's Alliance [00:30:33] Guides and Outfitters in British Columbia [00:32:21] National Wildlife Federation [00:30:42] BC Wldlife Federation [00:32:28] [00:49:02] US Forest Service [00:33:33] Ducks Unlimited [00:49:09] Four Trucks [00:49:58] Follow us: Podcast YouTube Newsletter Instagram Facebook Follow our Host Instagram: @ Bader.Trav Learn More about Silvercore Silvercore Club Online Training Other Training & Services Merchandise CORE Training Management Resources (TMR) Blog Page
Renowned conservationist Shane Mahoney, founder of Conservation Visions and the Wild Harvest Initiative, joins the National Wildlife Federation Outdoors Podcast and co-hosts Drew YoungeDyke and Aaron Kindle to discuss the impact of climate change on hunting, fishing, and the wild harvest of game, fish, and forage, as well as the critical role that hunters and anglers can play in addressing it. Resources: Conservation Visions: https://www.conservationvisions.com/ Wild Harvest Initiative: https://www.conservationvisions.com/wild-harvest-initiative NWF's Natural Climate Solutions Policy Platform: https://www.nwf.org/naturalsolutions National Wildlife Federation Outdoors: www.nwf.org/outdoors Support from: Rep Your Water: www.repyourwater.com National Park Radio: www.nationalparkradio.com (Music)
Shane Mahoney, founder and CEO of Conservation Visions, Inc and renowned writer and filmmaker, talks about hunting and fishing and the wild harvest of plants, timber, and animals, the nutrition and brotherhood of gathering from the land, and how to preserve those resources for the future.
Conservationist and New Foundland native Shane Mahoney has over 30 years of experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic adviser. You may also recognize him as a filmmaker, writer, narrator, TV and radio personality, and lecturer. In this week's Nevada Wild, Shane stopped by NDOW's headquarters during a visit to Nevada to talk to Aaron Keller and Ashley Sanchez about his upbringing and background, his company Conservation Visions Inc., and its mission to create a world where everyone does their part in conservation in order to effect positive change for wildlife and humanity.
Conservation Visions' Wild Harvest Initiative is the first serious effort to evaluate the combined economic, conservation, and social benefits of recreational wild animal harvests in the U.S. and Canada. The program is on track to apply a science-based approach to quantifying the harvesting rates of wild fish and game and just held a three-day meeting of its 35-partners, including companies such as Bass Pro Shop, at Memorial University's in St. Johns Newfoundland.Link below to hear the founder of Conservation Visions Shane Mahoney in conversation with Lawrence Gunther on Blue Fish RadioFor more about Conservation Visions, link to their website at:https://www.conservationvisions.com/
In this episode (112) of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy shares a mic with frequent guest, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions. From the RMEF Elk Camp in Park City, topics covered include sharing the harvest, wild harvest statistics, value of information gives value to wildlife, North American Model of Wildlife Conservation update, opponents can be allies, opportunities to sway abound, sustainable use of all resources includes wildlife, world looking to North America wildlife models, food security concerns favor hunting, hunting as an example for sustainable systems, food at the core of the hunting message, health awareness benefits hunting, society admires those who share, and a host of other ideas crammed into an hour-long discussion.
In this special episode of the National Wildlife Federation Outdoors Podcast, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions discusses the Wild Harvest Initiative, his new partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, the wildlife crisis, and how the wild food for which we hunt, fish, and gather can help solve it. Additional Resources: https://www.conservationvisions.com/wild-harvest-initiative
S2, E16 - Conservation Visions, Shane Mahoney We are honored to feature the renowned conservationist Shane Mahoney on this week’s Talking Mule Deer episode. Shane describes how he grew up in Newfoundland and how his childhood experiences formed the foundation for his own conservation vision. Shane is one of the most eloquent philosophers in the hunting and outdoor community who has been carrying forward his message of continuing these honorable and sustainable traditions to a broad audience. Our conversation touches on the deeper connection we humans have historically had to the natural world and the need to tap back into this connection as a culture. Shane’s Wild Harvest Initiative is working to quantify the economic value of sustainably harvested wild game meat as an influence on our culture and health. We also get Shane’s perspective on the development of the concept of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; the approach has been around for over 100 years but the conceptual framework to explain the approach has only been around for a few decades. Dr. Valerius Geist, Shane and several other colleagues helped to develop the original concept and how this vision has been the foundation of wildlife conservation in this country. He will be releasing a book in the Fall of 2019 that presents the Model and the challenges and opportunities we have as conservationists moving forward. This is one Talking Mule Deer conversation you do not want to miss!
On episode seventeen of The Urban to Country Podcast, I sit down with conservation legend and visionary, Shane Mahoney. Who is Shane Mahoney you ask? "Shane Patrick Mahoney is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc.. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Masters of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mahoney has over 30 years experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor; but also as a filmmaker, writer, narrator, TV and radio personality, and lecturer – all within the scope of the greater conservation world, encompassing both the scientific and professional wildlife communities, as well as NGOs and the hunting and non-hunting public (from Shane's website)."This episode took place in Bozeman, MT at the Can We Bear the Bias event, hosted by the Western Bear Foundation and the Right to Roam Podcast. Shane and I discuss Shane's career in conservation, Conservation Visions, the Wild Harvest Initiative, telling our story, and some much more!I hope you enjoy our conversation as we talk about some of the most important topics facing our world today. I'm so excited to continue to share the amazing people and adventures that are shaping my life and I hope this podcast has a positive impact on yours. If you enjoyed this episode please leave me a review on your favorite platform. Urban to Country: Website, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TwitterShane Mahoney: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube Right to Roam Podcast: InstagramWestern Bear Foundation: Instagram
In this episode (077) of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy is joined by a frequent guest, Shane Mahoney of Conservation Visions. Shane gives us an update on his Wild Harvest Initiative, transitioning the discussion to food as the fundamental underpinning to explaining hunting to those no longer connected to wild things and wild places, as a better way to explain why food connects us to conservation and the importance the land holds for all we find important. To summarize, "It's the food, stupid!" Follow Shane at http://conservationvisions.com/
World respected conservationist, biologist, writer and Conservation Visions founder Shane Mahoney joins me this week for an in depth conversation on a couple different topics. First, we take a look at the term 'Trophy Hunting'. It's origins mean something totally different from how many people interpret it today. Why the shift in attitude toward that [...]
World respected conservationist, biologist, writer and Conservation Visions founder Shane Mahoney joins me this week for an in depth conversation on a couple different topics. First, we take a look at the term 'Trophy Hunting'. It's origins mean something totally different from how many people interpret it today. Why the shift in attitude toward that [...]
Listen to Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, speak of how the events of the past (Cecil, the Lion and others) have been the spark - not the fuel - of making change - and how the time is NOW to act in the field of conservation. Shane is speaking at the 2017 Dallas Safari Club annual convention, and asks attendees to walk in the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt. Be bold. Be decisive. Be generous. Learn more about Conservation Visions at . Follow us at and and watch more keynote speeches at
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen I talk with Shane Mahoney. Shane Patrick Mahoney is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc.. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Masters of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mahoney has over 30 years experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor. Shane is a brilliant and passionate conservationist. And he has been working on a massive project called “The Wild Harvest Initiative.” Shane explains it like this: Safe, healthy food is important to everyone. Every year, some 40 million citizens in the United States and Canada take to the fields, mountains, forests, streams, and lakes, returning with a harvest of wildlife and fish to feed their families and share with friends. Just how much of this natural, organic food do these two nations provide annually, and how valuable is it to our societies? At this point, no one really knows. “It’s time we did know,” said Shane Mahoney, founder and CEO of Conservation Visions, Inc., a private conservation organization focused on building broader coalitions in support of biodiversity and the natural world. “We’ve known for well over a century that conservation of the world’s ecosystems is critical to human well being and that the sustainable use of wild resources brings enormous and unique benefits to human beings everywhere.” On november 30th of this year, British Columbia says it will no longer allow the trophy hunting of grizzly bears in the Canadian province. Of the approximately 15,000 grizzlies in British Columbia, about 250 are killed by hunters annually, according to government figures. Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson characterized that level of hunting as “sustainable” in an interview with the CBC. However, he says the decision to end trophy hunting is “not a matter of numbers, it’s a matter of society has come to the point in B.C. where they are no longer in favour of the grizzly bear trophy hunt.” The key word in the above statement is “trophy.” As stated, the population of Grizzly Bears is robust and the harvest rates are sustainable; but regardless of these facts, Grizzly Bear hunting has been banned by the voice of the people. And something that was “legal” is not legal anymore. I’ve been saying this for a long time, legal is not an argument for hunting. As Steven Rinella recently said, “it’s legal for a man to cheat on his wife but nobody believes that makes it okay.” Why did 90% of the electorate vote against “trophy hunting Grizzly bears?” If you’re a hunter, are you surprised by this vote? Is hunting even a relevant activity in today’s world? Why do people despise trophy hunting? What is trophy hunting? How have hunters in the United States and Canada portrayed hunting in the last 20 to 30 years? What motives and values do we display and promote on our TV Shows and Social Media Outlets? Does it matter? If we send the wrong message, what’s at stake? These are the sorts of questions that Shane tackles on a regular basis. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to personally visit with Shane and have him as a guest on this podcast. I hope you listen to this entire podcast and that it causes you to feel an increased measure of concern for wild animals and wild places. For, “hunters of have an inseparable relationship with nature and a responsibility to protect it.”
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen I talk with Shane Mahoney. Shane Patrick Mahoney is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc.. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Masters of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mahoney has over 30 years experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor. Shane is a brilliant and passionate conservationist. And he has been working on a massive project called “The Wild Harvest Initiative.” Shane explains it like this: Safe, healthy food is important to everyone. Every year, some 40 million citizens in the United States and Canada take to the fields, mountains, forests, streams, and lakes, returning with a harvest of wildlife and fish to feed their families and share with friends. Just how much of this natural, organic food do these two nations provide annually, and how valuable is it to our societies? At this point, no one really knows. “It’s time we did know,” said Shane Mahoney, founder and CEO of Conservation Visions, Inc., a private conservation organization focused on building broader coalitions in support of biodiversity and the natural world. “We’ve known for well over a century that conservation of the world’s ecosystems is critical to human well being and that the sustainable use of wild resources brings enormous and unique benefits to human beings everywhere.” On november 30th of this year, British Columbia says it will no longer allow the trophy hunting of grizzly bears in the Canadian province.Of the approximately 15,000 grizzlies in British Columbia, about 250 are killed by hunters annually, according to government figures.Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson characterized that level of hunting as “sustainable” in an interview with the CBC.However, he says the decision to end trophy hunting is “not a matter of numbers, it’s a matter of society has come to the point in B.C. where they are no longer in favour of the grizzly bear trophy hunt.” The key word in the above statement is “trophy.” As stated, the population of Grizzly Bears is robust and the harvest rates are sustainable; but regardless of these facts, Grizzly Bear hunting has been banned by the voice of the people. And something that was “legal” is not legal anymore. I’ve been saying this for a long time, legal is not an argument for hunting. As Steven Rinella recently said, “it’s legal for a man to cheat on his wife but nobody believes that makes it okay.” Why did 90% of the electorate vote against “trophy hunting Grizzly bears?” If you’re a hunter, are you surprised by this vote? Is hunting even a relevant activity in today’s world? Why do people despise trophy hunting? What is trophy hunting? How have hunters in the United States and Canada portrayed hunting in the last 20 to 30 years? What motives and values do we display and promote on our TV Shows and Social Media Outlets? Does it matter? If we send the wrong message, what’s at stake? These are the sorts of questions that Shane tackles on a regular basis. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to personally visit with Shane and have him as a guest on this podcast. I hope you listen to this entire podcast and that it causes you to feel an increased measure of concern for wild animals and wild places. For, “hunters of have an inseparable relationship with nature and a responsibility to protect it.”
Do you ever think about where your food comes from? How it was procured? Hunters and anglers know EXACTLY where their food comes from - while not everyone personally chooses to hunt or fish, we can agree that these activities do procure a significant amount of healthy, organic rich food by humans. And not just the people who got the food to begin with - neighbors, friends and even shelters benefit from this protein source. What would it cost to replace that protein source? What it is worth economically, nutritionally, socially? The Wild Harvest Initiative® will provide empirical answers to these questions. This is also a YouTube video found here: Learn more about Conservation Visions at Follow us on Facebook at and on instagram at
Public ownership of firearms was instrumental to the birth of the conservation movement in North America and still contributes to its continued success. This audio was made into a short video found on Boone & Crockett Club's YouTube channel here: Learn more about Conservation Visions and Shane Mahoney at Follow us at and and
Pollinator habitat is in peril and should be of utmost important to us. Pollinators are an integral part of our environment and they are sending a clear signal that all is not right in the world. As an example, populations of Monarch butterflies have decreased by 90%. We rely on pollination to help produce one in every three bites of food we consume. Organizations such as Pheasants Forever are helping to restore pollinator habitat. Pollinator habitat is created in the same wild areas our wildlife need to flourish. Watch this on YouTube at Learn more about Shane Mahoney and Conservation Visions at and join us at and
Listen to Shane's speech at Vancouver Island University this past spring, 2017, as he discusses the complicated business of conservation. Shane shares the constant effort to do the right things for humanity and to do the right things for our wild creatures. Sometimes it gets better - sometimes its gets worse. Even though Shane tells students they will never solve this problem - it is still very much worthwhile to pursue. Learn more Conservation Visions at and connect with us socially at
Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, speaks at the 2017 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation National Convention. Learn more about Shane at Follow Shane on Facebook at and on Instagram "There can be no doubt, that we live in a constantly changing world now. A world that seems to bring unending challenge to things that we hold dear and to the values that we cherish. The world is becoming an incredibly different place. We are seeing massive changes in the way the land is used. Massive movements of people away from the rural lifestyles that were part and parcel of nourishing the hunting tradition in our countries. We are 4.5% of the people in this nation who hunt. In some states it is 1.5%. We know, that if we become too few, we will become irrelevant. Yet despite these problems, I am now incredibly optimistic. It is because those social trends that were moving people away from hunting, away from the lifestyle we believe in, away from the values that we cherish, they like all social trends eventually bend back on themselves. And now what we have, in our cities, in our suburbs, in the very places we thought where it was lost, we have people that want to be locavores. They want organic food. They want a lifestyle that will have them live forever. One of the things they are realizing, is that our tradition, our lifestyle, our venturing out onto those lands, and pushing ourselves in these hunting experiences. In harvesting those animals that have lived wild and free their entire existence. In harvesting them for food and sharing them with friends and family, they are coming to understand, that this is something valuable. This is something precious." - Shane Mahoney
On this episode, Mike and Kelly chat with Shane Mahoney. Shane is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc.. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Masters of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mahoney has over 30 years experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor; but also as a filmmaker, writer, narrator, tv and radio personality, and lecturer – all within the scope of the greater conservation world, encompassing both the scientific and professional wildlife communities, as well as NGOs and the hunting and non-hunting public. For more information on Shane Mahoney and Conservation Visions go to: conservationvisions.com This episode is sponsored by North Arm Knives. Go to northarmknives.com Connect with the Rookie Hunter by going to www.therookiehunter.com
Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, speaks in front of a group in Missouri about the critical conservation challenges we face. He discusses the rising empathy for wildlife, how conservation groups need to respond, and how we all need to realize this is more complex than simply trying to label it coming from one particular outlier group. Conservation is a global effort and Shane stresses we all need to find ways to speak about conservation issues on levels everyone can understand. Thank you for listening. Learn more about Conservation Visions at
Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, argues that allowing legal trade of rhino horn could, possibly, save the species. What do you think? Listen to this brief explanation and find us at or
Did you know many of our current, well-known big game species were almost decimated many years ago? Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions discusses how taking as many wildlife as possible to benefit life and profit held no moral obligation. For example, the bison, at 30-40 million, were almost brought to their extinction. Although we were able to save some species during this period, many were not that lucky. Today, the same is happening to our Rhino population due to poaching, even with decades of conservation work to bring them back. What will you do to help? Learn more at
Poaching is often defined as unlawful hunting, almost as a subset of hunting, which it is not. Poaching is the illegal taking of wildlife. Poachers are not hunters - they are thieves. But often today, poaching and hunting are being confused in the public mind. Poachers act in complete disregard for conservation practices - and thusly, erroad the public trust in hunting altogether. Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, explains more in this brief podcast. Learn more about Shane, his works and Conservation Visions at Follow Shane at and
Shane Mahoney speaks to a group of outdoor writers at the annual Professional Outdoor Media Association in Kalispell, MT in June, 2016. Forgive the first few minutes of audio, it improves greatly around minute 5. Mahoney is passionate in his presentation of why the world needs outdoor writers in this day - because we need to remember things as they were, we need to be inspired, and we need your messages of stewardship. He also discusses the need of presenting a modern world view to the modern public. We articulate stories of an older reality, but Mahoney says we need to change those stories to a modern reality. Learn more about POMA at Learn more about Shane Mahoney and Conservation Visions at
Shane Mahoney was interviewed by a Canadian radio show on the future of seal hunting in Canada - and how that affects the world. Shane discusses the IUCN and his role in that worldwide organization and then moves into the impact of seal hunting on economy and conservation. Learn more about Shane and Conservation Visions at Follow Shane on Facebook at and on Instagram at
Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions, speaks at the "Rally for Iowa's Outdoors" in 2012 on if we truly are concerned about the wild others on this planet - how do we stand for them? Shane takes listeners around the world discussing cave paintings, why do our homes have fireplaces and our master bedroom located on the top floor? Why are we afraid of snakes, but not of more modern dangers like cars? Truly an inspiring speech.
How did Shane get so involved in the outdoors? Is hunting conservation and what does that mean? Shane Mahoney talked with Billy Kinder of Billy Kinder Outdoors Radio at the Professional Outdoor Media Association Conference this past summer. Special thanks to Billy for allowing Conservation Visions to re-air this interview.
Back in June at the annual POMA conference, Tom had a chance to sit down and talk hunting and conservation with Shane Mahoney, CEO of Conservation Visions. Find out more at http://conservationvisions.com/.