Harvest Your Own Podcast

Brad Fenson
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Harvest Your Own’s Podcast is about to become your go-to resource for all things related to your field-to-fork experience, by helping you with the harvesting, processing and cooking of your own ethically-sourced, wild Alberta protein. Join host Brad Fenson as he talks to a wide variety of people about their experiences and expertise. Take on new challenges and deepen your connection to the outdoors—learn to harvest your own!

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 122: Waterfowl/Swan Hunting Season

    Waterfowl season is just around the corner, bringing exciting potential updates for hunters across the province. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jason Caswell, Alberta’s provincial game bird specialist since 2008, to discuss all things waterfowl management. From the science of tracking bird populations to potential new hunting opportunities, Jason brings decades of research and hands-on hunting experience to the conversation. In this episode: Learn about the Continental Waterfowl Survey (formally known as the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey [WBPHS])—one of the longest-running and most comprehensive wildlife surveys in the world—and how shifting weather patterns shape bird populations.Discover how Canada's consistent waterfowl management system compares to the more reactive approach used in the US, allowing for more predictable regulations year to year.Explore the potential for a future tundra swan hunting season in Alberta.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  2. Jul 15

    BrAdvice Episode 17: Shoot to Win

    Every hunter dreams of having their most successful season ever, but the foundation for that success isn't built in the fall—it starts months earlier. In this episode, Brad reflects on his own best hunting season and the single habit that made it possible: pushing himself to practice shooting every single month of the year. By keeping your firearms active year-round, you build a familiarity with your gear that simply cannot be replicated by a rushed trip to the range right before opening day. In this episode: Discover how year-round practice builds familiarity with your firearms, dramatically tightening your target groupings for cleaner, more ethical harvests.Learn the value of keeping detailed target notes to track how different ammunition changes your consistency and how varying weather conditions impact bullet trajectories.Find out how bringing a few friends along can boost your motivation and spark some healthy competition to sharpen everyone's skills.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  3. Jul 6

    Episode 121: Fish Health and Disease (PKD)

    Fish populations face increasing pressure from environmental changes, habitat loss, and invasive species, but a new, invisible threat is emerging in our waters. While most anglers are familiar with whirling disease, the recent confirmation of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) in Alberta has raised new concerns among fisheries managers and conservationists alike. In this episode, we dive into the history of fish diseases in North America, how these pathogens spread between water systems, and what the sudden discovery of this microscopic parasite means for the province's fisheries. We are joined by Dr. Emmanuel Pila, whose work detecting fish pathogens safeguards the health of our populations, and Dr. Trish Kelley, a fish health and aquatic animal disease specialist who leads the province's monitoring and public outreach. Together, they give us an insider look at the work being done, the critical balance between public concern and scientific reality, and highlighting the practical steps anglers can take to protect our aquatic ecosystems. In this episode: Explore the history of major fish diseases across North America and how environmental stressors like rising river temperatures, low stream flows, and drought make trout populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks.Learn exactly what PKD is, and why its detection in Alberta requires adaptive management rather than panic.Find out how anglers can act as the front line conservation stewards through "Clean, Drain, Dry" practices, proper fish handling to minimize catch-and-release stress, and reporting unusual fish behaviour to help tracking efforts.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  4. Jun 15

    Episode 120: Navigating Social Media

    Navigating the digital landscape as an outdoors person can be a tricky balancing act, especially when it comes to growing an online presence that highlights your passion while respecting platform guidelines. Born and raised in Edmonton, Darryl Dahl (@darrylhuntswest) brings over 16 years of marketing and digital strategy experience to the conversation, currently serving as the Marketing Director for the Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada (POMAC). In this episode, Darryl shares how hunters and anglers can successfully bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and digital media skills to build a compelling page. From practical advice on content creation to the critical nuances of community management, Darryl breaks down the exact strategies needed to elevate your outdoor brand. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your content strategy or expand your reach through smart tagging, Darryl offers insights into social media outlets. In this episode: Learn how to navigate tricky platform algorithms by avoiding specific flag words like guns, firearms, and rifles to keep your content from being restricted online.Discover the importance of a mindful content strategy, focusing on what and when to post, and why you should only publish content when you are in the right mindset to ensure your message is accurately conveyed.Find out how to streamline your writing process by using AI tools to take your general ideas and refine them into short, punchy, and succinct social media captions.Understand how to utilize targeted tag groups effectively to boost your visibility, expand your reach, and organically grow your online following.Explore how to manage specific sharing and viewing permissions to curate a safe, supportive space and protect your channel from individuals looking to tarnish the hunting lifestyle.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  5. Jun 10

    BrAdvice Episode 16: Kids Fishing: Make It Fun

    Sharing your love for the water with the next generation is incredibly rewarding, but taking kids fishing requires a complete shift in mindset. While you might be ready to stay on the lake and cast for hours, children don't possess that same deep-rooted passion just yet, they have to discover it on their own. The secret to building that lifelong excitement isn't actually about the number of fish caught; it’s about making the entire day an engaging, hands-on adventure. In this episode, Brad breaks down how to create a lakeside experience that kids will actually want to repeat. From stepping back and letting them pick their own favourite hooks to packing plenty of snacks and taking swim breaks, it's all about prioritizing their fun over your personal fishing time. Brad is even joined by a very special guest—his eight-year-old daughter, Adeline—to share a kid's perspective on what truly makes a day on the water exciting. In this episode: Involving kids in tasks like stringing the rod, launching the boat, and netting the fish creates ownership and excitement.The importance of letting kids cast for themselves and choosing their own favourite hooks, even if it means less are caught.Adeline shares her favourite parts about fishing.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  6. Jun 1

    Episode 119: Jill Frederick - Do It For Yourself

    The outdoors isn't just a hobby for Jill Frederick—it’s a way of life. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the outfitting and hunting community, Jill grew up listening to stories of the wild before ultimately becoming her dad's lifelong hunting partner. Now, as a mother, her focus has shifted to passing those same traditions, patience, and respect for nature down to her kids. In this episode, Jill shares the special moments that have shaped her journey, from her very first days in the field to the unforgettable moments with her children. Whether she is advocating for women in the outdoors or helping kids trade screen time for nature, Jill’s story is an inspiring reminder of how the outdoors allows us to reset, recharge, and connect with the people who matter most. In this episode: The lessons of the field: How hunting teaches patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.Unforgettable memories: Watching the next generation harvest their first animals.Breaking barriers and giving back: Jill's journey volunteering with hunter education and serving as the first female board member for the SCI Northern Alberta Chapter.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  7. May 18

    Episode 118: Wildlife Diseases

    As the Provincial Wildlife Disease Specialist, Dr. Margo Pybus has led Alberta’s wildlife health efforts for four decades. Responsible for managing provincial and national policy on wildlife parasites, Margo’s work bridges the gap between scientific research and real-world conservation. In this episode, she joins the podcast to discuss how hunters, farmers, and locals serve as the front line for disease surveillance and what we can learn from the "stories" told by the animals around us. In this episode: A deep dive into the meningeal worm: its complex lifecycle, how it  spreads, and the significance of the first confirmed cases appearing in  Alberta in the summer of 2025.Roadside mortalities and harvested animals as critical data points to confirm the presence of infectious diseases and track their movement across the landscape.The shifting scale of susceptibility regarding avian flu, from its impact on snow geese to the surprising cases involving skunks and fox pups.What outdoor enthusiasts and landowners can do to help manage parasites and maintain the health of Alberta’s wild populations.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

  8. May 13

    BrAdvice Episode 15: Predator Management Plan

    Predator management is a highly debated topic that often elicits strong emotions. But as human development alters the natural landscape, creating straight pathways—such as roads, agriculture, and oil and gas corridors—that make traversing easier for all species, it throws off predator-prey dynamics as these areas become major hunting sites. In this episode: Why wildlife management is essential to maintaining biodiversity and sustainable populations for at-risk species such as elk.Finding a healthy balance to mitigate the human footprint we leave on the land and helping protect conservation efforts.The significant financial impact of predation, including an estimated $20 million in cattle losses in Alberta alone.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

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About

Harvest Your Own’s Podcast is about to become your go-to resource for all things related to your field-to-fork experience, by helping you with the harvesting, processing and cooking of your own ethically-sourced, wild Alberta protein. Join host Brad Fenson as he talks to a wide variety of people about their experiences and expertise. Take on new challenges and deepen your connection to the outdoors—learn to harvest your own!

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Fenson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Harvest Your Own Podcast
  • Show Website
    Harvest Your Own Podcast

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