Bringing Back the Wild with Mike Arnold

Mike Arnold
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  • WILDERNESS

Mike Arnold explores how science, tradition, and hands-on conservation come together to protect the wild places and wildlife we care about. Your host, Mike Arnold, is professor of genetics, a lifelong hunter, and a conservation biologist. As a genetics professor who spends as much time in the woods as he does in the lab.` Mike studies wildlife, a Passion for Hunting, and cares deeply about conservation. On this podcast, Mike dives into the science and stories behind bringing wildlife species back and keeping Wild Places WILD!

Episodes

  1. FEB 10

    An interview with Outfitter and Conservationist, Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris

    In this episode of Bringing Back the Wild, host Mike Arnold talks with longtime friend and professional hunter Mark Haldane about one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories—Coutada 11 in Mozambique. Haldane traces his path from a free-roaming childhood in South Africa to nearly four decades in the safari industry, culminating in his work restoring a war-ravaged landscape. When he first entered Coutada 11 in 1994, wildlife barely survived. Buffalo numbered in the hundreds, sable antelopes clung to a single small herd, and zebra nearly disappeared. Through protection, habitat recovery, and disciplined management, wildlife rebounded dramatically. Today, tens of thousands of animals roam freely across an unfenced ecosystem. As the land healed, Haldane made a deliberate choice to restore balance by reintroducing apex predators. Lions, supported in part by Mary Cabela and her family, returned to the landscape under rigorous scientific monitoring. Hunting now removes less than one percent of the population while funding long-term protection. The conversation also highlights community-driven conservation, including a thriving beekeeping program that empowers local women and a successful pangolin rehabilitation effort. Throughout the episode, Haldane delivers a clear message: when conservation creates real value for people, the wild comes back—and stays. Sponsors of Bringing Back the Wild include Royal Outfitters UK, Life-Form Taxidermy, Zambeze Delta Safaris, Safari Specialty Importers, Travel Express, and AfricaSky Boutique Hotel.

    44 min

  2. JAN 27

    Interview with Diana Rupp from Sports Afield Magazine

    Episode Overview In this engaging and wide-ranging conversation, Mike sits down with Diana Rupp, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Afield, for a fun, thoughtful, and insightful discussion. From stories of Diana as an eight-year-old helping her parents field-dress deer, to her professional journey in outdoor media, the episode traces how a lifelong hunting heritage shaped her worldview. The conversation goes deeper into Diana’s understanding that hunting is the most effective tool for conservation worldwide—supporting wildlife management, habitat protection, and community engagement. With humor, mutual respect, and plenty of authenticity, this episode highlights how tradition, science, and storytelling intersect to help “bring back the wild.” Sponsors of Bringing Back the Wild include Royal Outfitters UK, Life-Form Taxidermy, Zambeze Delta Safaris, and Safari Specialty Importers.

    56 min

  3. JAN 13

    Legendary Interview with Larry Weishuhn "Mr. Whitetail"

    Episode Overview In the inaugural episode of Bringing Back the Wild, Dr. Mike Arnold sits down with legendary outdoorsman Larry “Mr. Whitetail” Weishuhn. From walking Texas woods alongside his father to taking his first whitetail from a tree stand some 30 feet above the ground, Larry’s story is one of curiosity, grit, and a lifelong devotion to the wild. That early passion set him on a remarkable path—one that would lead him to become a wildlife biologist, international hunter, television personality, and prolific author.   In this wide-ranging conversation, Larry and Mike reflect on the experiences that shaped Larry’s career, the evolution of ethical hunting, and the critical role hunters play in conservation.   Along the way, listeners will hear hard-earned wisdom, memorable stories, and plenty of laughter as “Mr. Whitetail” recounts the journey that earned him his place as one of the most respected voices in the outdoor world.   This episode sets the tone for Bringing Back the Wild: thoughtful conversations about conservation, hunting, and the people who live at the intersection of both. Learn more about Larry Weishuhn at http://larryweishuhn.net/ and check out his Patreon at http://patreon.com/MrWhitetail. Sponsors of Bringing Back the Wild include: Royal Outfitters UK Life-Form Taxidermy Zambeze Delta Safaris Safari Specialty Importers

    57 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Mike Arnold explores how science, tradition, and hands-on conservation come together to protect the wild places and wildlife we care about. Your host, Mike Arnold, is professor of genetics, a lifelong hunter, and a conservation biologist. As a genetics professor who spends as much time in the woods as he does in the lab.` Mike studies wildlife, a Passion for Hunting, and cares deeply about conservation. On this podcast, Mike dives into the science and stories behind bringing wildlife species back and keeping Wild Places WILD!

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