Byron Pace takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as a filmmaker, conservationist, and storyteller. From stalking deer in the Scottish Highlands to documenting elephant relocations across Africa, Byron offers refreshing authenticity in discussing the complex realities of wildlife management and conservation.

Our conversation begins with the origin story of his pioneering "Into the Wilderness" podcast, which emerged in a landscape virtually devoid of outdoor podcasts eight years ago. Byron shares how his focus evolved from purely hunting-centered discussions to broader conservation issues, gaining perspective through documenting wildlife management across multiple continents. His thoughtful approach to contentious topics demonstrates a rare ability to bridge divides between polarized groups in the conservation world.

The heart of our discussion explores Byron's latest documentary project, "Paid in Blood," which follows the dramatic relocation of elephants from drought-stricken Namibia to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project showcases the uncomfortable realities of conservation work - including difficult decisions about culling wildlife during droughts and the occasional losses that occur during high-risk conservation operations. Byron's unflinching commitment to telling the whole truth about conservation, rather than sanitized narratives, sets his work apart.

We also dive into his work with Modern Huntsman magazine, which has become a refuge for serious long-form journalism about conservation at a time when many publications are shifting toward clickbait. Byron shares striking economic insights from African conservation, noting that in some reserves, "72 photographic tourists generate the same income as one hunter" - illustrating why hunting remains a crucial conservation tool in many contexts.

Throughout our conversation, Byron articulates how short-term political thinking undermines effective conservation, which requires generational commitment. Whether discussing Scotland's deer management challenges or rural communities facing disconnected urban policies, he brings clarity to complex issues that affect both wildlife and people.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Byron's willingness to question his own assumptions and evolve his thinking based on new information - a quality essential for anyone serious about conservation. His work represents a refreshing alternative to the polarized debates that often characterize conservation discussions.

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