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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 35: Floods, Fires, and Funding The State of Fish Wildlife and Habitat in BC Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Jesse Zeman Produced: Matthew Wakeham The crew is joined by Jesse Zeman of The BC Wildlife Federation talking the past, present and future of BC Wildlife Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 34: Disease, Deception and Decisions of Salmon Farming in BC - A Conversation with Alexandra Morton Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Alexandra Morton Produced: Matthew Wakeham Alexandra’s earliest interest in studying wildlife and the influence of Jane Goodall in her decision to pursue the life of a biologist. From American University to USC to Marineland, her early research focusing on bottle-nose dolphins transitions to studying captive Orcas. Witnessing the first captive birth of a killer whale and its death and the desire to transition to field work. Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago and the early days of sampling whale communication. The fork in the road and the pivotal role of her friend and fisherman Billy Proctor. Understanding the salmon farm industry from its early days with IBEC and its transition to the global mega-companies like Cermaq, Grieg and Mowi. Salmon farms as “pathogen culture facilities” and their history of conflict and conservation concern in Europe and around the world. Furunculosis, Sea lice, PRV, ISAV and other infections that have multiplied in effect and expanded into wild salmon. DFO and the role of political and bureaucratic obfuscation of the impacts of salmon farming and a willful ignorance of their role in visiting pathogenic consequence on wild salmon. The Cohen Commission and its long term recommendations. The role of activism in lifting visibility on the salmon farms. First Nations engagement and 280 days of occupation on salmon farms. The key to success was ensuring Canadas first citizens were leading the discussion and the debate with the salmon farming industry. The road ahead and the hope that salmon have turned a corner into recovery instead of extinction. Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 33: The Role of Science in 21st Century Wildlife Management - A Conversation with Jim Heffelfinger Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Jim Heffelfinger Wildlife Science Coordinator for Arizona Game and Fish Produced: Matthew Wakeham A personal and professional history of Jim Heffelfinger and the development of the role of wildlife science coordinator. How do you assess what the best science is? The changes in wildlife management and the evolution of wildlife science. The Mexican Wolf Recovery team, The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Mule Deer Working Group. What are some of the biggest challenges for wildlife managers in executing their roles and responsibilities? A look at some of well-known work in wildlife science and it’s propagation and distortion by popular media. The role of wolves on the landscape, making room for their existence and planning for their management. Working with recovery goals, the ESA in the US versus the SARA act in Canada. How recovery objectives can or should be determined. CWD how real is the risk? Why does it require such severe population treatments to mitigate? How effective are those treatments? Trophic Cascades, the impacts of trophy selection and how wolves prevent car accidents and save lives. A look at the role of subjectivity and interpretation of data and how it informs both opinion and policy. Valerius Geist and his contributions to the wildlife science. Find Jim Heffelfinger on Instagram at @Jim.deere or click this link https://www.instagram.com/jim.deere/?hl=en Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 32: A Beginner's Guide to Extinction - A Look at BC's Steelhead Crisis Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Dan Orser of The Steelhead Society of BC Produced: Matthew Wakeham What is a steelhead? Life cycle of a steelhead and defining an anadromous fish. Historical benchmarks and the precipitous decline of BC Steelhead. The creation of the Steelhead Society of BC a response to a conservation crisis. Steelhead as an indicator for watershed health. The economic and social cost of declining steelhead numbers. What are some of the contributing factors in Steelhead decline. How or can we recover Steelhead in BC? A look at some of the mechanisms that are being applied to enhance and re-populate steelhead in BC's watersheds. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 31: Investing in Change - A Conversation with The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Board Chair Greg Anderson, Chief Executive Officer Dan Buffet and Communications Director Craig Doucette Produced: Matthew Wakeham The impetus to create the trust. Understanding the scope of the foundation, board selection, funding formula and the project selection process. What are the criteria for project selection, timelines and cut-offs for applications submission. What are the Priority Guiding Principles for developing projects for funding, the weight of scientific or conservation outcomes in getting a project funded. The emerging role of citizen science and local knowledge in projects. First Nations partnerships and the force multiplying benefit of working together. Some conservation wins under the program and what the road ahead looks like. An overview of the new mission statement for HCTF and what that means for BC’s conservation efforts If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

Episode 30 – What’s Your Plan When Things Go Wrong? A Conversation with Dave Merritt from PG Search and Rescue Guest: Dave Merritt Senior Director of PG SARS Chris Beckley, Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont, Matt Wakeham The Role and History of BC Search and Rescue. A look at the selection and training process for BC Search and Rescue organizations. Defining the operational mandate for SARS teams in BC and why they aren’t willing to bring you 5 litres of fuel for your snowmobile. The 3 T’s, Knowing Before You Go and Adventure Smart, some guiding principles for backcountry preparedness. Chris Beckley with a couple of campfire stories of when things go off the rails, why Don isn’t a safe bet for driving the new SARS Command Vehicle and what to do when you are lost. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 29: The Hunt in Common - The Value of Mentorship in Hunting Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Luke Reeves and Dave Campbell Produced: Matthew Wakeham Luke Reeves – Vice President The Hunt In Common(HIC), Dave Campbell – Director Canadian Chapter, Timothy Reimer, Steve and Don. In the beginning there was The Hunting Collective. The impact of Ben O’Brien the formation of the THC Cult and the impetus for a movement. A discussion on mentorship, some personal experiences with mentors or the lack of in our respective hunting evolutions. The goals and intention of HIC Chapters around the world and a look at how to grow the movement through social media and fostering a resource for hunters regardless of their experience level. The role of trains and highways on sound quality in podcasting, the luxury of Dave’s freedom summer and the call of Elk, Luke’s killer 2021 Gardening adventure, Tim’s hopes for a better hunting community and why Don likes to talk so much….and why Steve?? If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 28: A Campfire Conversation with Dana and Darcy White from Fatal Impact Outdoors Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Dana and Darcy White and Daniel Martichuk Produced: Matthew Wakeham A look at 2020 and filming season 8 in a global pandemic. Changes and challenges in hunting television in an post-COVID world. A discussion of inches and the role of selection in hunting. Hunting with an outfitter vs a DYI hunt and a recap our week of hunting bears in northern BC. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 27: The Hunt in Common and Other Tales - A Special Edition of The Cutbanks Conversations with Ben O'Brien Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guest: Ben O'Brien Produced by: Matthew Wakeham Ben Obrien’s podcast The Hunting Collective was the principal influence for our own program. A hunting podcast that focused it’s not on how or where we hunt but why. Ben Obrien shone his light into some of the darker, un-swept corners of our considerations, intention and understanding about the world of hunting. We take a look at Ben’s journey from journalism student to his current role as Director of Hunting Content for the MeatEater brand. A rare chance afforded us to spend some time with the person who compelled us to ask better questions about the wild world and the traditions we use to engage it. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 26: Fish Talk with Keep Fish Wet, Clear Your Gear and Go Fish BC Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: Steve Loney, Sascha Clark Danylchuk and Stacy Webb. Produced by: Matthew Wakeham Topics Discussed – Best practices for fish handling and mitigating catch and release mortality. Keeping our shorelines and landfills clean of fish line and embracing recycling opportunities for used line. BC’s comprehensive Freshwater stocking program and support for our recreational fishery. Some key components for anglers to promote a better BC fishery for everyone. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

Episode 25: The Nose... Knows: Tracking Dogs, Wounded Game and the Unspoken Bond Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guest Host: Michael Schneider Produced by: Matt Wakeham Update on the Driftwood Valley Outfitters Guide Apprenticeship Program with Takla Nation. The use of hunting hounds in Germany. The vetting process for ownership of Hanover Hound and other certified breeds in Europe. “Untying the Knot” letting a dog work through a “hit scene” and follow his nose. How to train a blood hound in recovery and a few facts on scent sense. A few tips on what to do after the shot when working with a dog including wait time and recovery strategies. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 24: Destination Idaho : A Conservation Conversation with Jim Huntsman Host of the Western Huntsman Podcast Guests: Jim Huntsman, Tim Reimer Hosts: Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont           Producer: Matt Wakeham Life in the Marine Corp. Jim’s hunting journey, the road to podcasting, wolves, public land, the anti- hunting movement, a salmon crisis. A discussion on some of the similarities in the hunting and fishing issues in Canada and the US.  The roll of podcasts in shaping the conservation narrative, favourite guests and the road ahead for hunting in the Western United States.Check out Jim’s Podcast here https://www.thewesternhuntsman.com/ If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

Episode 23: Get Off My Lawn - A look at R3 - Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Guests: Mandy Starnes, Allan Duffy and Jenny Ly Hosts: Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont Producer: Matt Wakeham “I’m an outdoorsman who craves solitude, yet my hunting spots get more crowded every year. That, in a nutshell, is why I’m leery of R3.” Matt Rinella – The Case Against Hunter Recruitment Reactions to the Matt Rinella article. The role of recruitment in growing hunter as a tradition. Do we make it easy to join our ranks? Is it an inclusive community? The role of organizations like Back Country Hunters and Anglers in education and growth of hunting. The realities of an increase in hunter participation, some of the barriers to entry and opportunities and reasons to grow. Can hunting make us better citizens? Is that it’s role? Does more hunters equal too much pressure on game populations. A thank you to Ben Obrien and The Hunting Collective. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 22: Impacts vs Opportunity –Cumulative Effects Management Framework a discussion with Dr. Ryan Macdonald Hydrologist Guest: Dr Ryan Macdonald, P.H.D. Hyrdology Hosts: Mike Morris M.L.A, Dustin Snyder, Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont Produced by: Matthew Wakeham What is Cumulative Effects Management Framework: Defining the process and how and why it was developed. How CEMF applied to projects or permitting in resource extraction and development. What is the scope of the risks and outcomes it models for? What timeline is applied to the model? Does it look forward in time or does it take a historical data? What are the challenges with CEMF? Using the Elk River Valley area and the multiple assessments as a sample, we look at how CEMF is applied and what were the potential outcomes to the land-base, watershed and wildlife in the area. A look at riparian/watershed impacts for cutthroat trout, mature and old growth forest, grizzly bear and big horn sheep habitat. Teck Coal – Selenium levels and impacts on Trout – Lake Koocanusa Montana and the Flathead watershed impacts. Road Density – Hydrological Impacts – lets look at the impacts of road density across a broader scale than just this study area. Mike Morris offers some insight into Sustainable Yield practices in forestry and the impacts they are having on wildlife. What is the uptake by government from these assessments? Does it cause course corrections at a land level? Does it inform or influence broad scale policy considerations? What are the deficits in this kind of modelling? Do you see opportunity to improve the review and land-use planning functions for which these study’s are intended? If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 21: The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition - Unlikely Allies on a United Front Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don WillimontGuests: Alan Duffy – Chair BC Back Country Hunters and Anglers, Mike Schroeder  Wild Sheep Society of BC, Evan Saugstad – BC Interior SCI, Scott Ellis Executive Director Guide Outfitters Association of BC.Produced by Matt Wakeham   Discussing the state- of-affairs for Fish, Wildlife and Habitat in BC and how we get to this coalition. A look at our history in BC around advocacy for improved FW management spanning both governing parties.    An overview of the ore commitments for the coalition prioritizing the conservation of wildlife and habitat provincially. Establishing a new, dedicated, or improved funding mechanism.  Looking for opportunities   to create a governance model for FWH that is both accountable and transparent. The application of oversight for science and planning functions. Installing legislated objectives for FWH management in BC.  We layout the framework this creates and what it looks like if it works and look at a S.W.O.T analysis of the process, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.   We address a number of questions that people are asking about the initiative including that decisions need to be science-based…whose science? Where is First Nations support for this undertaking? What is the working process, terms of reference, time line and how executable is this approach with government?    There is a real potential for organizational synergy or capitalizing on resources and capacity between organizations to do more than just work on this specific initiative? Is it creating new partnerships? Are there synergies that exist that haven’t before? If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 20: The Bear Necessities Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Guests: Mandy Starnes and Dawson Smith Producer: Matt Wakeham Let’s talk about bear hunting. Spring Bear versus fall bear the changes in live weight and the different challenges in hunting them. 8000 calories a day in the summer and up to 20,000 in the fall. Dandelions, south facing slopes and green up to green out and the changes in bears feeding habits from out of the den to the rut. Wind, rain, and other factors that affect seeing bears. Busted on a stalk, drive or walk…strategies for getting back on the bruin. How to sex a bear and how long we take to make a decision to shoot or not. The struggle with field judging bears, tips, and tricks we have learned over time. Spot and stalk and other considerations when hunting bears. Bears the other red meat, why we love it so much. Favourite recipes and preparations for bear meat. Under utilized opportunity by hunters. Stats on bear hunting from the Ministry. Bear hunting backlash, large carnivore hunting movements and finally a chance to talk with Ben Obrien from The Hunting Collective Podcast…if we have time… If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

The Cutbanks Conversations: Lion and Tigers and Bears...Oh My! We’re not in Kansas Anymore. Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Producer: Matt Wakeham C71- OIC amendments, tougher penalties for firearms security, deactivation of restricted firearms, Red flags laws, off-loading hand gun specific legislation to municipalities, cost of the buyback, C21 and Airsoft, pellet guns and making Firearms violence in advertising and offence. A discussion about the potential for consequence from our online activity in social media. Wolves, bears, Coyote contests and other hunting activities and the judgements they elicit from the Anti-Hunting World and Katrine Conroy implies possible changes to trapping regulations around wolves. Social License in hunting and Chris Darimont’s recent paper. The challenges for Wildlife Managers, Clay Newcomb Guard the Gate philosophy. A look at the Tahltan Central Government predator and wildlife management strategy as an example of what objective driven management can look like. Wild Sheep Society’s Act Now Campaign and how the Hunting Community in BC needs to engage and support each other. If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

Episode 18: Back Country Crossroads - The Trail Less Travelled to Addiction RecoveryHosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton Guests: John Willimont, Chris Beckley and Taylor BarberProduced by: Matthew Wakeham The road to recovery can be a long and lonely one, but it doesnt have to be that way. We have 3 special guests this episode to share their first hand experiences with addiciton as well as discuss their on-going recovery and how our Canadian Backcountry has offered a hand to them all. John and Don share some personal experiences and explore different points of view that addicts and their families have. Both Chris and Taylor are team members at Wood Wheaton Supercentre and share some honest stories about their struggle as well as what has helped them along their own paths. Link to Taylor’s Facebook group Progress Not Perfection —> https://www.facebook.com/groups/2845635399047432If you or someone you know needs help call 211 or visit BC211.ca for information on local services for addiction and mental health If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more Join the Conversation with us on Facebook!

Episode 17: Not All Heroes Wear Capes – A conversation with Eamon McArthur and Hillary Desmarais of the BC Conservation Officer Service Guests: Acting Sgt Eamon McArthur and Field Officer Hillary Desmarais Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Producer: Matt Wakeham The road to becoming a Conservation Officer. A typical day on patrol in northern BC. Enforcement, nuisance animals, spot checks and other interactions. A few reminders on the things that are required while you are afield or on the water, the importance of having your Drivers license, PAL, permits and licenses on your person. Common violations and things that are preventable with the application of judgement. What is the legal definition of a loaded firearm? Knowing and confirming your target before pulling the trigger. CO’s and bears some recommendations on bear proofing your property. Transporting game and the legal requirements to take “all edible portions”. Littering and the reality of enforcement action to convict people of illegal dumping. Misconceptions about Conservation Officers, worst and best part of being a CO as a career. The RAPP Line 1-877-952-7277

Episode 16 - Adaptive Management and the role of science in wildlife management- a conversation with Dr Robert Serrouya Hosts: Steve Hamilton, MLA Mike Morris, Don Willimont Produced by: Matt Wakeham Topics Covered: The current state of wildlife populations in BC, the difference between broad and specific population concerns in species. Some of the key components of wildlife science in it’s application and utilization for wildlife and land management decisions. Recognizing the role that social, political and, economic realities play in influencing management decisions on wildlife resources. Are we focused on recovery of species or managing them? The cost of research and management, a brief case for improving our funding for wildlife. Adaptive Management case study and the outcomes and actions taken to recover caribou in the Kootenays and the Parsnip. Primary prey reduction and it’s use as a strategy to address limiting factors in population dynamics in caribou. The choice for science and the at times contradictory reaction from the public in it’s use. Recognizing some of the great work that is being done inside BC and are willingness to embrace and engage the leading tenets of wildlife science.