Connecting with Conservation

jgassett
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Do you enjoy angling, boating, hunting, recreational shooting or just getting outdoors and into the backcountry? Connecting with Conservation is the only podcast that delves into the business of conservation. We talk with state wildlife agency and industry experts about how conservation is achieved in the United States along with the tremendous impacts to local economies that driven by the recreational user. Join our hosts as they explore this often unknown or misunderstood aspect of how fish and wildlife conservation works in the U.S.

  1. 21H AGO · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 6: Sporting clays for sick kids with Zac Lemmon, Exec. Director for Kids and Clays

    Kids & Clays Executive Director Zac Lemmon joins Connecting with Conservation to share how charity sporting clays events across the country are raising millions for Ronald McDonald Houses while introducing thousands of new shooters to the outdoors. He traces the program’s growth from a single Chicagoland event in 1999 to more than 40 million dollars raised, 40+ annual shoots in over 20 states, and a waiting list of houses eager to participate.   The conversation walks through a typical event day, from Egg McMuffins at registration to raffles, auctions, and “loaner gun” stations designed for first-time shooters, while explaining how corporate teams, the firearms industry, and McDonald’s owner-operators all play a role. Jon and Jim also highlight the conservation angle: every shell fired supports excise-tax funding for wildlife agencies, making Kids & Clays a win for sick kids, new participants, and fish and wildlife conservation.   For more information: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/  Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org/ Kids & Clays: https://kidsandclays.com/   #kidsandclays #sportingclays #ronaldmcdonaldhouse #wildlifeconservation #conservationfunding #shootingsports #newshooters #outdoorindustry #clayshooting #pittmanrobertson #mcdonalds #nonprofit #fundraisingevents #corporateevents #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlifeconservation #outdoorstewards #shootingcommunity

    33 min

  2. 6D AGO · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 5: Managing the Business of Conservation and Indiana's First Bobcat Season.

    In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Amanda Wuestefeld, the Director of the Indiana DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Nature Preserves. The discussion highlights the success of wildlife restoration projects for species like elk, turkeys, and deer, which are funded through Pittman-Robertson (PR) dollars and sportsman's excise taxes. Amanda provides an in-depth look at the 12-year process of establishing Indiana’s first sustainable Bobcat trapping season, explaining the balance between scientific modeling, legislative involvement, and public trust. The conversation further explores the "business" of conservation, including the management of public shooting ranges and the diverse fishing opportunities provided by Indiana's hatcheries and public access sites. The episode concludes with a focus on R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), with Amanda and the hosts emphasizing that modern conservation is as much about "people management" and earning public credibility as it is about managing wildlife populations. For further information: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://outdoorstewards.org Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife   #Conservation #Hunting #Fishing #Trapping #IndianaDNR #WildlifeManagement #Bobcats #OutdoorLife #R3 #PublicLands #NaturePreserves #ElkRestoration #ConnectingWithConservation #Podcast #WildlifeScience #SustainableHarvest #Angling #TargetShooting #OutdoorEducation #PittmanRobertson #WildlifeManagement #WildlifeManagementInstitute #OutdoorStewards

    38 min

  3. JAN 27 · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 4: Trapping Myths, BMPs, and Conservation with Bryant White of AFWA.

    Bryant White of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies joins Connecting with Conservation to unpack modern trapping, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and why regulated trapping remains a critical wildlife management tool. From river otter and beaver restoration to managing human–wildlife conflicts and protecting infrastructure, he explains how agencies use trapping for conservation, public safety, and habitat health. The discussion covers AFWA’s decades-long BMP research, rising trapper numbers, the North American Trapper Education Course, and a new video series aimed at hunters and the public. The hosts and Bryant also tackle persistent myths about trapping—addressing regulation, humaneness, and the broad conservation benefits funded by hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters. For more information: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: https://fishwildlife.org   #wildlifeconservation #trapping #furbearers #hunting #fishing #humanwildlifeconflict #wildlifemanagement #conservation #BMPs #afwa #trappereducation #furbearers #otters #beavers #coyotes #raccoons #publiclands #outdoors #huntingcommunity #conservationfunding #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards

    37 min

  4. JAN 20 · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 3: Wild Sheep Conservation and the Path Forward with Corey Mason.

    In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Corey Mason, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Conservation at the Wild Sheep Foundation. Corey shares his extensive background—from his time at Texas Parks and Wildlife to international conservation work—while explaining the unique challenges facing wild sheep across North America and beyond. Listeners get an insider’s look at the habitat, natural history, and incredible resilience of these iconic mountain species. The conversation digs into the major threats wild sheep face today, including disease transmission, predation, habitat degradation, climate impacts, and human disturbance. Corey explains how the Wild Sheep Foundation has invested over $110 million into conservation projects, supporting agencies and partners across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central Asia. From innovative disease‑management strategies to prescribed fire and water distribution improvements, this episode highlights the passion, science, and partnerships driving modern sheep conservation. For more information: Wildlife Management Institute: https:// wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https:// conservationstewards.org Wild Sheep Foundation: https:// wildsheepfoundation.org   #WildSheep #SheepConservation #wildlifeconservation #mountainhunting #bighornsheep #DallSheep #StoneSheep #habitatrestoration #wildlifemanagement #DiseaseResearch #conservationfunding #WesternWildlife #outdoorstewards #BackcountryWildlife #sustainablehunting #connectingwithconservation #WildSheepFoundation #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlife

    31 min

  5. JAN 13 · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 2: Elevating Indigenous Voices in Wildlife Conservation with Dr Julie Thorstenson.

    In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dr. Julie Thorstenson, Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie shares her remarkable journey from wildlife habitat restoration on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to leading a national organization dedicated to supporting tribal conservation efforts. Her insights reveal the complexity of managing fish, wildlife, and ecosystems across tribal lands and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation strategies. The conversation explores pressing issues such as invasive species management, climate adaptation, and funding inequities that tribes face. Julie highlights innovative projects like beaver relocation, feral horse management, and youth education programs aimed at growing the next generation of Native conservation leaders. This episode is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just science—it’s culture, resilience, and collaboration. Tune in to learn how tribal voices are shaping the future of wildlife management in North America.   For more information: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: https://nafws.org   #wildlifeconservation #nativeamerican #indigenousleadership #fishandwildlife #habitatrestoration #climateadaptation #invasivespecies #BeaverRestoration #FeralHorses #conservationeducation #tribalsovereignty #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlifemanagement #connectingwithconservation #conservationfunding #sustainableecosystems #YouthInConservation #environmentalstewardship #IndigenousConservation

    35 min

  6. JAN 8 · VIDEO

    Season 3: Episode 1: Range USA supports wildlife conservation from the urban landscape.

    Dive into the business of conservation with Tom Willingham of Range USA, discussing the recent opening of their 50th indoor range, welcoming 350,000+ new shooters yearly, and how the excise tax from firearms and ammo sales helps to support wildlife conservation. Hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto explore how indoor ranges cure cabin fever while supporting wildlife, habitats, shooting opportunities, and other outdoor-related recreation. Learn how recreational shooting bolsters the billion-dollar conservation efforts, and how every round fired helps.   For more information: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org Range USA: https://rangeusa.com   #wildlifeconservation #rangetalking #shootingranges #excisetax #newshooters #RangeUSA #targetpractice #hunteradoption #firearmsafety #conservationfunding #indoorranges #wildlifemanagement #shootinglessons #huntingprogression #pittmanrobertson #cabinfever #gunretail #wildlifefunds #outdoorsports #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards

    33 min

  7. 12/30/2025 · VIDEO

    Season 2: Episode 53: Wildlife Corridors, Migration, and Big Game Conservation with Casey Stemler.

    Wildlife migration is one of the most fascinating, and urgent, challenges in modern conservation. Today we’re joined by Casey Stemler, former U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service leader and architect of the national Wildlife Corridor & Big Game Migration Initiative (Secretarial Order 3362). Casey’s background spans wildlife biology, policy development, and federal leadership, making him uniquely qualified to explain how major landscape-scale conservation happens. We discuss: Why wildlife corridors matter for elk, deer, pronghorn, and even squirrels & frogs How species movement is shaped by highways, development, and winter range loss The origin story of Secretarial Order 3362 and how it survived multiple administrations Federal-state partnerships, tribal roles, and how collaboration, not authority, drives success The growing concern for pronghorn movement and declining migratory bird populations How sportsmen, NGOs, and the public can engage in conservation policy at local, state & federal levels   This is a deep dive into how policy bridges science and on-the-ground wildlife work, and why migration connectivity is one of the most impactful conservation frontiers of our time.   Resources Mentioned & Places to Get Involved: Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute. Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://www.outdoorstewards.org. Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: https://wafwa.org. Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation: https://congressionalsportsmen.org. Safari Club International: https://safariclub.org.   #wildlifecorridors #migration #conservation #biggame #ElkMigration #pronghorn #HabitatConnectivity #conservationpodcast #fishandwildlife #SecretarialOrder3362 #wildlife #wildlifemanagement #HighwayCrossings #connectingwithconservation #wildlifemanagementinstitute #conservationfunding #fws #conservationstewards

    33 min

  8. 12/22/2025 · VIDEO

    Season 2: Episode 52: ATA’s Fight for Fair Conservation Funding with V.P. & Chief Conservation Officer Dan Forster

    Hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto interview Dan Forster, VP and Chief Conservation Officer of the Archery Trade Association (ATA), on the podcast Connecting with Conservation. They explore ATA’s evolution from a business trade show to a key player in policy and funding for wildlife efforts. Forster details his wildlife biology background and Georgia DNR leadership before joining ATA. The episode dives into excise taxes on bows, arrows, and accessories, which generate $50 million annually for state agencies—funding habitat, research, and access beyond just game species. Challenges like tax slippage on imported arrows threaten U.S. manufacturers and conservation dollars, with ATA pushing bipartisan bills to close loopholes. Discussions also cover PR Modernization Act successes, like earmarking funds for hunter recruitment (R3), and efforts to standardize archaic archery regs across states. Relevance ties directly to hunters and shooters: These taxes sustain public lands and programs you use, while ATA modernizes rules for crossbows, target archery growth, and fair competition. Attending the ATA Show offers hands-on gear testing and supports the industry fueling conservation. For More Information Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute WMI Outdoor News Bulletin: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/outdoor-news-bulletin Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://outdoorstewards.org Archery Trade Association: https://archerytrade.org   #huntingpodcast  #conservationfunding  #ArcheryTrade  #excisetax  #pittmanrobertson  #R3Efforts  #bowhunting  #targetarchery  #ATA2026  #wildlifemanagement  #HunterRecruitment  #crossbows  #ArrowSlippage  #publiclands  #outdoorstewards  #wmi  #DanForster  #JonGassett  #JimCurcuruto  #tradeshows  #wildlifemanagementinstitute   #OutdoorNewsBulletin

    33 min
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About

Do you enjoy angling, boating, hunting, recreational shooting or just getting outdoors and into the backcountry? Connecting with Conservation is the only podcast that delves into the business of conservation. We talk with state wildlife agency and industry experts about how conservation is achieved in the United States along with the tremendous impacts to local economies that driven by the recreational user. Join our hosts as they explore this often unknown or misunderstood aspect of how fish and wildlife conservation works in the U.S.

Information

  • Creator
    jgassett
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Connecting with Conservation