Through the Gates

Dan Gates - Save the Hunt
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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

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 114 - HOWL for Wildlife

    What happens when a ballot initiative goes far beyond hunting and fishing? In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with Charles Whitwam of Howl for Wildlife for a wide-ranging conversation about the growing national fight over hunting, fishing, agriculture, wildlife management, and the future of conservation. The conversation begins with the history of the partnership between Howl for Wildlife, Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, and other conservation organizations before diving into some of the biggest issues facing hunters and wildlife advocates today. A major focus is Oregon IP 28, an initiative discussed in the episode as potentially affecting hunting, fishing, animal breeding, ranching, farming, livestock production, and locally sourced food. Charles explains why he believes IP 28 represents more than a single ballot measure—and why the larger issue is the growing disconnect between people who participate in these activities and people who have never experienced them firsthand. The discussion also covers Charles' upcoming documentary on IP 28, the people and communities he plans to interview in Oregon, and the importance of telling the human stories behind hunting, farming, fishing, ranching, and food production. From there, Dan and Charles turn their attention to Colorado Initiative 302 and the proposed constitutional right to hunt and fish, discussing what the language actually says, the role of science-based wildlife management, and how supporters believe the measure could provide a constitutional framework while preserving the state's ability to regulate hunting and fishing. They also discuss: The history of Howl for Wildlife and its role as a "force multiplier"The fight over mountain lions and Colorado Senate Bill 31Proposition 127 and Colorado's battle over mountain lion huntingThe controversy surrounding Catalina Island mule deerThe importance of food, farming and local food productionWhy hunters need to communicate more effectively with non-huntersThe growing movement to establish constitutional rights to hunt and fishColorado's role in that broader Western movement One of the central themes of the conversation is that the future of hunting and wildlife management won't be determined solely by hunters. It will also depend on whether people who don't hunt understand how wildlife is managed, where their food comes from, and why science-based conservation exists in the first place. Charles specifically discusses conversations with people who have little or no connection to hunting and how those conversations can change perceptions. The episode closes with a discussion about leadership, cooperation among conservation organizations, and the idea that protecting hunting and fishing rights is becoming a broader movement across the American West. 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

  2. Aug 25

    Ep. 113 - Women Hunt: Changing the Face of Conservation

    Women are becoming one of the most important voices in hunting, conservation, and the outdoors — and in this episode of Through the Gates, we explore why. Dan Gates sits down with Renée Thornton, founder and chair of the Wild Sheep Foundation's Women Hunt program, and Rachel Ahtila, professional guide and longtime Women Hunt advocate, for an in-depth conversation about getting more women into hunting, breaking down barriers, mentorship, conservation education, and the role women can play in defending the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The conversation goes far beyond simply getting women into the field. Renée and Rachel explain how Women Hunt evolved from an idea into a growing program providing skills training, mentorship, hunting opportunities, community, conservation education, and support for women at every stage of their hunting journey. They also discuss the challenges women still encounter entering a traditionally male-dominated hunting community, the importance of representation, the evolution of women's hunting gear, the power of social media, and why the hunting community needs to reach beyond its traditional echo chamber. The episode also explores how hunting can become a gateway to conservation, food sovereignty, outdoor education, family traditions, and advocacy — and why women may be uniquely positioned to communicate those ideas to people who don't traditionally identify as hunters. Then, in the second half of the episode, Dan talks with Dana Dykema, host of the Women Hunt IGNITE Podcast, about her own journey from having virtually no connection to hunting to becoming a hunter, conservation advocate, podcast host, and voice for the hunting community. Dana shares her experience at the Women Hunt Field to Fork program, learning to shoot, harvesting her first animal, navigating hunting as a mother of four, exploring fishing and other outdoor pursuits, and discovering the larger conservation community. They also discuss why sharing the real story of hunting — where food comes from, how hunting funds conservation, and why sustainable use matters — may be one of the most important challenges facing hunters today. In This EpisodeWomen Hunt and the Wild Sheep FoundationHow Renée Thornton got into huntingRachel Ahtila's career as a professional guideBreaking down barriers for women in huntingThe evolution of women's hunting gearHunting mentorship and educationField to Fork huntingWomen as conservation advocatesReaching beyond the hunting communitySocial media and conservation messagingThe Women of Conservation initiativeOvercoming fear of firearms and harvesting an animalThe emotional side of learning to huntHunting as a source of food and connectionDana Dykema's journey into huntingThe IGNITE PodcastHunting and fishing in British ColumbiaWhy the hunting community needs more voices SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADOSign the Initiative 302 petition Donate to CRWM Learn more Facebook facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m

  3. Aug 18

    Ep. 112 - Common Ground: Ryan Callaghan on Building Conservation Coalitions

    Ryan Callaghan—known to millions through MeatEater and now President & CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers—joins Daniel Gates for one of the most important conservation conversations of the year. From his beginnings as a Montana hunting guide and First Lite employee to helping build MeatEater and now leading one of North America's largest conservation organizations, Ryan explains why protecting hunting, fishing, public lands, and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation requires more than buying a hunting license—it requires action. Together, Ryan and Dan discuss: • Ryan's journey from guide to conservation leader • Behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of MeatEater • Why coalition building is the future of conservation • Public lands, access, and the biggest threats facing hunters today • Oregon's IP 28 and what it could mean nationwide • Colorado's Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish initiative • How hunters, anglers, ranchers, agriculture, recreation groups, and public land users can work together instead of being divided • Why advocacy matters just as much as time spent in the field If you care about hunting, fishing, conservation, wildlife management, public lands, or the future of the outdoors, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 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 00:00 Introduction & Mission to Save the Hunt 00:43 Meet Ryan Callaghan 01:32 Ryan's Background & Growing Up in Montana 04:00 Building First Lite & Early Conservation Work 07:00 Joining MeatEater & Leading Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 09:20 New Fatherhood & Life Updates 10:35 How Ryan Ended Up at MeatEater 18:30 From Outdoor Jobs to Conservation Leadership 23:45 Why Hunting Advocacy Matters 25:45 Coalition Building Over Division 28:10 Lessons from Ranching Communities 32:40 Why Hunters Must Stop Fighting Each Other 33:20 Public Lands & Responsible Recreation 37:15 Politics vs. Policy 40:05 Supporting Businesses that Support Hunting 41:40 Conservation, Agriculture & Finding Common Ground 45:30 Responsible Resource Development 50:45 Oregon IP 28 Explained 57:30 Colorado's Right to Hunt & Fish Movement 1:03:30 Why Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers? 1:06:20 Building Stronger Conservation Coalitions 1:12:20 Volunteerism & Stewardship 1:15:40 Reaching Non-Hunters Through Conservation 1:17:45 Why Wildlife Management Shouldn't Be Decided by Emotion 1:20:00 Final Thoughts & Call to Action Ryan Callaghan, Dan Gates, MeatEater Podcast, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Daniel Gates, Through the Gates Podcast, public lands, hunting rights, right to hunt and fish, North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, conservation, wildlife management, Colorado hunting, Oregon IP 28, hunting advocacy, fishing rights, public land access, hunters united, wildlife conservation, hunting podcast, outdoor podcast, science-based wildlife management.

  4. Aug 11

    Ep. 111 - Will Primos: A Conservation Calling

    What does it take to build one of the most recognizable brands in hunting while becoming one of the strongest voices for wildlife conservation? In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with legendary hunter, entrepreneur, conservationist, and Primos Hunting founder Will Primos for one of the most personal and insightful interviews he's ever given. Will shares the incredible story behind building Primos Hunting from a garage startup into one of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. He discusses the evolution of game calls, hunting videos, elk calling, turkey hunting, business leadership, and how timing, innovation, and authenticity changed hunting forever. More importantly, Will explains why science-based wildlife management, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and educating the non-hunting public are more important today than ever before. In this episode:• The incredible story behind founding Primos Hunting • Building a hunting company from a garage • How VHS tapes revolutionized hunting education • Why authenticity built one of hunting's biggest brands • The evolution of turkey, deer and elk calling • Product innovation inside Primos • Entrepreneurship lessons from growing a national company • The importance of habitat conservation • Why science—not emotion—must guide wildlife management • Educating non-hunters about conservation If you believe in conserving wildlife through science-based management, responsible hunting, and protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, be sure to subscribe and join us for future episodes. 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 00:44 Meet Will Primos 01:39 Growing up and early influences 06:57 Starting Primos Hunting in a garage 09:58 Audio cassettes that changed hunting 11:42 The birth of hunting videos 17:06 Timing, innovation & entrepreneurship 18:02 Conservation begins with education 20:31 Building the Primos brand 22:00 Expanding beyond turkey calls 27:58 Product innovation & Trigger Stick 37:50 Conservation becomes the mission 42:58 Teaching the next generation 48:59 Ballot box biology & public education 53:24 Challenges facing hunting today 56:10 Why everyone impacts wildlife habitat 1:00:51 Future hunting plans & favorite adventures 1:05:03 Final thoughts from Will Primos 1:06:03 Colorado Outfitters Association 1:06:50 Mintern Anglers 1:07:07 Rustic Living 1:08:09 Outro KeywordsWill Primos, Primos Hunting, hunting podcast, Dan Gates, elk hunting, turkey hunting, deer hunting, wildlife conservation, North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, science-based wildlife management, conservation podcast, elk calling, turkey calls, hunting industry, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Colorado hunting, hunting heritage, wildlife management, public lands

  5. Aug 4

    Ep. 110 - The Biggest Threat to Hunting in Colorado (And How We Stop It)

    ***This episode was recorded with GoHunt in late May. While much of conversation is relevant and educational, some edits were made to remove content out of date. *** Colorado is at a crossroads. For the first time, Colorado has the opportunity to become the 25th state to protect the constitutional right to hunt and fish, creating another layer of defense for science-based wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. In this episode of Through the Gates, Sean Ender sits down with Dan Gates, President of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM), to break down what this proposed constitutional amendment actually does, why it's needed, and what sportsmen and women—both inside and outside Colorado—need to understand. The conversation goes far beyond a ballot measure. Dan explains how Colorado became ground zero for wildlife policy battles, why anti-hunting organizations continue returning after every defeat, how the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission influences the future of hunting, and why educating the public may be the most important conservation effort of our generation. Whether you're a hunter, angler, conservationist, landowner, or simply care about science-based wildlife management, this conversation explains what's happening in Colorado—and why it could influence wildlife policy across the country. If you value responsible hunting, fishing, public lands, and the future of conservation, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

  6. Jul 28

    Ep. 109 - Colorado's Wildlife Is at a Tipping Point | What Really Happened at the CPW Commission

    Colorado's wildlife management is at a crossroads. In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down one of the most consequential Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings in recent memory and explains why sportsmen, anglers, conservationists, landowners, and anyone who values science-based wildlife management should be paying attention. From controversial furbearer bag limit decisions to growing concerns about politics overriding wildlife science, this episode explains what happened during the July Commission meeting, why those decisions matter, and how they connect to Colorado's proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish (Initiative 302). Dan discusses: • The recent CPW Commission decisions on furbearer regulations • Why science-based wildlife management is under increasing pressure • The role of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation • Why the constitutional amendment does not remove management authority from Colorado Parks and Wildlife • The dangers of ballot-box biology • Why hunters and anglers need to become more engaged before future wildlife decisions are made Whether you're a hunter, angler, wildlife professional, or simply someone who believes wildlife should be managed using science instead of emotion or politics, this conversation provides important context for the future of conservation in Colorado. If you enjoy the podcast, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread the message. 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

  7. Jul 21

    Ep. 108 - Jason Matzinger: The Filmmaker Changing How America Sees Hunting

    For decades, outdoor television has focused on the hunt. Jason Matzinger has spent his career telling the story behind it. In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with the creator of Into High Country and one of conservation's most respected filmmakers to explore why hunting is about far more than the harvest. Jason explains how storytelling can bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters by showcasing the science, stewardship, and wildlife conservation that make the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation the most successful conservation system in the world. From his groundbreaking documentaries with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Boone & Crockett Club to his upcoming documentary on grizzly bear recovery, Jason shares why he believes conservation—not trophies—should always be the hero of the story. We discuss: • Why modern hunting media often misses the bigger conservation message • How film can reach audiences outside the hunting community • The truth about "trophy hunting" and selective wildlife management • The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation • Why grizzly bears should be managed through science—not politics • The role hunters play in funding wildlife conservation • The future of conservation storytelling If you've ever wondered how hunting became North America's greatest conservation success story—or how we can better communicate that story to the public—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations protecting hunting, fishing, wildlife management, and the future of 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

  8. Jul 14

    Ep. 107 - The Fight for Hunting's Future: Colorado's Constitutional Battle Over Wildlife Management

    What happens when wildlife policy is driven by politics instead of science? In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates joins the Wild Sheep Foundation's Sheep Fever Podcast for one of the most important conversations happening in conservation today. From Colorado's proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish amendment to Oregon's sweeping IP28 initiative, this episode exposes how organized animal-rights campaigns are reshaping wildlife policy across North America—and why sportsmen, conservationists, ranchers, anglers, and anyone who values science-based wildlife management should be paying attention. Dan explains how Colorado has become ground zero for ballot-box biology, politically appointed wildlife commissions, predator management controversies, trapping restrictions, wolf reintroduction, and coordinated efforts to replace decades of professional wildlife science with ideology. More importantly, he explains what can be done to protect the future of hunting, fishing, conservation funding, and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation before similar efforts spread to additional states. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring conservation, wildlife policy, hunting, fishing, and the future of the North American Model. 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 00:00 Introduction: Why Colorado Is Ground Zero for Wildlife Politics 02:42 Meet Dan Gates & The Conservation Fight 06:15 The Growing Animal Rights Movement Across America 10:48 Oregon's IP28 Explained 15:30 How Activists Test Messaging Before Ballot Measures 19:40 Why Colorado Became the Blueprint 24:15 The Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish 30:18 Why This Amendment Matters 35:55 Science vs Politics in Wildlife Management 41:20 Ballot Box Biology Explained 46:50 The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation 51:35 Why Hunting & Fishing Fund Conservation 57:42 What the Amendment Actually Does 1:03:12 Does It Change Hunting Regulations? 1:08:15 Colorado's History of Ballot Initiatives 1:14:02 Why Wildlife Commissions Matter 1:19:40 Political Appointments vs Wildlife Science 1:25:12 The Fur Ban Controversy 1:30:45 Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission 1:37:10 The Cost of Political Wildlife Management 1:42:55 Wolves, Predators & Wildlife Policy 1:49:20 Why Science Must Lead Wildlife Decisions 1:54:48 Conservation Funding Challenges 2:00:15 Who Should Pay for Wildlife? 2:05:50 Public Education Is the Missing Piece 2:11:30 Why Hunters Must Tell Their Story Better 2:17:42 Conservation Beyond Hunters 2:23:08 Creating a National Conservation Message 2:29:10 Building the Future of Hunting Advocacy 2:34:15 Protecting Wildlife for Future Generations 2:38:40 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

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4.7
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39 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Gates - Save the Hunt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dan Gates - Save the Hunt
  • Show Website
    Through the Gates

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