Ep 15: Jess Johnson on the Controversy of Conservation Adventure Made Podcast

Jess Johnson is the Government Affairs Director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and a founding member of the National Wildlife Federation Sportswomen’s Initiative, Artemis, a women’s coalition that encourages women to take leadership roles in conservation and wildlife-related policy positions.
As a board member for  2% for Conservation and the Wyoming Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, she brings her dedication to educating hunters on advocacy and policy in the conservation arena, and the dialogue around hunting into the industry as a pro team member of First Lite, Argali, and Kestrel Glassing Systems. 
Growing up in a conservation minded ranching family in Montana, Northern California, and Wyoming., she has a deep appreciation for healthy ecologies and since moving back to Wyoming 11 years ago she has worked for the voice of hunting and wildlife at the State Legislature.  
She spends most of her free time exploring the West's vast expanse of public lands on foot and on horse. Jess is an avid archery hunter and has a particular love for the big Wyoming mule deer. 
Quotes: 
"Nature loves balance"Topics Discussed:
Why Jess left college and a dance career to purse the outdoors & supporting conservation effortsWhy her love of nature and the outdoors motivates everything she doesThe reasons why hunting is so male dominant and how that's changingThe differences between Western vs. Eastern hunting Why communication & eduction is so important for conservation effortsThe controversy surrounding reintroduction of wolves in Colorado and elimination efforts of wolves in IdahoWhy predators are part of a healthy ecosystemThe rural vs. urban mindset and pendulum swings of both groupsThe relation of chronic wasting disease in deer and the presence of wolves & mountain lionsThe difference between hunting and killingWhy the extirpation of bison is still relevant today for cultural & political reasonsWhy a pocket knife is Jess's go-to piece of gearThe controversy surrounding Meat Eater's acquisition of First LiteResources Mentioned:
First Lite Sheep FilmFHF GearMarsupial GearMystery RanchStone GlacierExo Mtn GearOutdoorsmansKifaru StrykerBook: Braiding SweetgrassBook: Skinny Legs and AllPodcast: Scene on RadioPodcast: The Rich OutdoorsModern HuntsmanByron PaceWild FedHunt to EatFlash FoxyArtemisWyoming WildlifeJess on InstagramThe Adventure Made Podcast is sponsored by Rewild Gear. Essential gear built for the great outdoors, designed to fuel your next adventure. Come find your wild at RewildGear.com!