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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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