Through the Gates

Dan Gates - Save the Hunt

Informing the Public on the Benefits of Hunting and Fishing along with the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Responsible Science Based Wildlife Management

  1. 14 hrs ago

    Ep. 106 - The Web Grows: Polis' Latest Appointee Says Biologists Shouldn't Decide Wildlife Policy

    Is Colorado's wildlife policy being guided by science—or by ideology? In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates takes an in-depth look at Governor Jared Polis' latest appointment to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission: Dr. Rebecca Niemiec. Dan examines Dr. Niemiec's published research, public statements, academic work, and professional affiliations, arguing they reveal a consistent philosophy that challenges the traditional role of wildlife biologists in wildlife policy and management. The discussion explores her work surrounding "Ballot Box Biology," predator coexistence, animal policy, and what Dan contends is a growing movement to shift wildlife decision-making away from science-based management and toward values-driven public campaigns. This episode also revisits what Dan calls the growing "web" connecting political appointments, academia, predator advocacy, and animal-rights organizations influencing wildlife policy in Colorado. Topics include: Dr. Rebecca Niemiec's appointment to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife CommissionHer published work on "Ballot Box Biology"The debate over who should shape wildlife policy—wildlife biologists or broader public valuesWolf management and predator coexistenceWildlife for All and the broader animal advocacy movementColorado Parks & Wildlife Commission appointmentsScience-based wildlife managementThe North American Model of Wildlife ConservationWhy Dan believes Colorado has become the national epicenter of wildlife policy battlesHow the Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish initiative fits into the broader strategy to protect hunting and fishing opportunities This episode examines one of the most consequential wildlife appointments in Colorado's recent history and what it could mean for hunters, anglers, ranchers, wildlife professionals, and everyone invested in the future of wildlife conservation. SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADO Sign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.org Donate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us Learn more: savethehuntcolorado.com Follow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado Follow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction: The Web Grows 03:15 – Why This Appointment Matters 08:10 – Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission Update 13:45 – Who Is Dr. Rebecca Niemiec? 22:30 – Academic Research & Ballot Box Biology 34:10 – Predator Advocacy & Human Carnivore Coexistence 46:20 – Wildlife for All and Related Advocacy Networks 57:30 – Should Wildlife Biologists Drive Wildlife Policy? 1:10:20 – Science-Based Wildlife Management vs. Values-Based Campaigns 1:22:45 – The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission's Direction 1:33:50 – Why Colorado Is the National Battleground 1:41:40 – The Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish 1:47:30 – How You Can Get Involved

    54 min
  2. 30 June

    Ep. 105 - The Storyteller Fighting for Hunting: Robbie Kroger, Origins & The Future of Conservation

    What happens when a wildlife scientist, filmmaker, conservationist, and hunter decides to change the narrative around hunting? In this episode of Through the Gates, Daniel Gates sits down with Dr. Robbie Kroger, founder of the Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins), to discuss the power of storytelling in conservation, the future of hunting advocacy, wildlife documentaries, global conservation projects, Colorado wildlife politics, Oregon's controversial IP 28 initiative, and why hunters must become better ambassadors for wildlife conservation. Robbie shares his journey from South Africa to earning a PhD in wetland ecology, working as a professor and scientist, and ultimately launching one of the most influential storytelling platforms in the hunting and conservation world. From lion conservation and elephant documentaries to wolves in Colorado, rhino projects in Africa, New Zealand's Tahr controversy, and the growing battle over wildlife policy, this conversation explores how stories can shape the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation worldwide. If you care about hunting, conservation, wildlife management, public lands, science-based policy, and protecting the future of our outdoor heritage, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Topics Include: Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins)Robbie Kroger's conservation journeyHunting and conservation storytellingColorado wolf managementLionHeart documentaryGlobal wildlife conservation projectsRhino, elephant, cheetah, and wolf conservationNew Zealand Tahr controversyOregon IP 28 initiativeHunting advocacy and public perceptionWildlife policy and ballot initiativesThe future of conservation media SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADO Sign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.org Donate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us Learn more: savethehuntcolorado.com Follow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado Follow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode to help spread the conservation message.

    1hr 45min
  3. 23 June

    Ep. 104 - Telling the Full Story of Conservation ,TOM OPRE, Shepherds of Wildlife Society

    What happens when wildlife policy is driven by emotion instead of science? In this episode of Through the Gates, Daniel Gates sits down with filmmaker, conservation advocate, and Shepherds of Wildlife Society founder Tom Opre for an in-depth conversation about hunting, conservation, ballot initiatives, predator management, wolves, trapping, rural communities, wildlife policy, and the growing disconnect between urban society and the natural world. Tom shares stories from decades of global travel and filmmaking, including work in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, while discussing how sustainable use conservation, hunting, trapping, and wildlife management have shaped modern conservation success. The conversation dives deep into: • Colorado wolf reintroduction • Ballot box biology and anti-hunting initiatives • Predator management and trapping • Conservation vs preservation • Rural communities and wildlife stewardship • The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation • Trophy hunting misconceptions • Sustainable use conservation in Africa • Rewilding movements • Wildlife economics and habitat management • Human-wildlife conflict • Public land pressure and outdoor recreation • The future of hunting, fishing, and trapping rights Tom Opre also explains how storytelling, documentaries, and public education are shaping the future of wildlife conservation and why hunters, anglers, ranchers, and rural communities are essential to protecting habitat and wildlife populations. If you care about wildlife conservation, public lands, hunting rights, predator management, trapping, elk, mule deer, wolves, mountain lions, grizzly bears, habitat restoration, rural America, or the future of science-based wildlife management, this episode is a must-watch. Subscribe to Through the Gates for more long-form conversations about hunting, wildlife policy, conservation, predator management, trapping, public lands, and the fight to protect the future of wildlife management. #hunting #conservation #wildlife #wolves #trapping #publiclands #predatormanagement #wolfreintroduction #wildlifemanagement #huntingpodcast #mountainlion #elkhunting #muledeer #ranching #ruralamerica #sportsmen #northamericanmodel #conservationpodcast #throughthestgates #savehunt

    2h 22m
  4. 16 June

    Ep. 103 - Reclaiming Colorado: Barbara Kirkmeyer & Victor Marx on Restoring Colorado Values.

    In this special election edition of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with Colorado gubernatorial candidates Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx for two in-depth conversations about the future of the Centennial State. From wildlife conservation and hunting heritage to public safety, energy, education, agriculture, water policy, the wolf introduction debate, Second Amendment rights, and government accountability, both candidates share their vision for restoring confidence in Colorado's leadership and charting a path forward. This episode goes far beyond campaign talking points. Dan challenges both candidates on the issues that matter most to sportsmen, ranchers, conservationists, small business owners, and families who believe Colorado has drifted away from the values that once made it one of America's most desirable places to live, work, hunt, fish, and raise a family. Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer discusses her plans for government reform, regulatory relief, science-based wildlife management, wolf policy, transportation, education, and restoring accountability in state government. Victor Marx shares his outsider perspective on leadership, public safety, constitutional rights, conservation issues, educating voters, and his vision for bringing Colorado back to the people. Whether you're a hunter, angler, rancher, conservationist, business owner, or simply concerned about Colorado's future, this conversation provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from two candidates seeking to lead the state through its next chapter. The question is simple: How do we reclaim Colorado?

    2h 24m
  5. 19 May

    Ep. 99 - Colorado’s Constitutional Fight for Hunting & Fishing Rights

    You asked for us to go on OFFENSE - Colorado could soon become one of the next major battlegrounds in the fight to protect hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife management, and the future of conservation in America. In this episode of Through the Gates, Daniel Gates sits down with Travis Thompson of the International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR) to break down Colorado’s proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish amendment — what it means, why it matters, and why supporters believe it’s critical to protecting science-based wildlife management for future generations. Travis shares how Florida successfully passed a similar constitutional amendment with nearly 67% voter approval, while Daniel explains how Colorado’s recent battles over mountain lion hunting, fur bans, trapping, predator politics, and wildlife ballot initiatives have shaped the urgency behind this effort. This episode dives deep into: Colorado’s Right to Hunt & Fish initiativeScience-based wildlife managementProposition 127 & Ordinance 308The North American Model of Wildlife ConservationHunting, trapping, and fishing rightsAnimal rights activism & ballot box biologyOregon’s controversial IP 28 initiativeThe future of conservation in ColoradoWhy sportsmen, ranchers, and outdoor advocates are paying attentionWhether you hunt, fish, ranch, recreate outdoors, or simply care about Colorado wildlife, this conversation explains why many believe this constitutional amendment could shape the future of wildlife policy across the West. If you support the future of hunting, fishing, trapping, conservation, and public access, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode. 👉 Support the mission: SaveTheHuntColorado.com 👉 Join CRWM: Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management 👉 Follow the fight for science-based wildlife management STREAM TO SHOW - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVjalEoOauqM3xLSHrq3FO680x-XriQcD https://throughthegates.buzzsprout.com - Thank you to our Sponsors - https://rusticliving.com/ https://davistent.com/ https://minturnanglers.com/ https://salidagunshop.com/ https://www.coloradosheds.com/ https://www.coloradooutfitters.org/

    1hr 24min

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Informing the Public on the Benefits of Hunting and Fishing along with the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Responsible Science Based Wildlife Management

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