For this 55th episode of the show, it seemed appropriate to bring on the man responsible for starting the Ahi Va Podcast. In February of 2021 Brandon Butler was in New Mexico hunting over-the-counter barbary sheep with NMWF's executive director Jesse Deubel. As the two men drove to and from hunting spots they intermittently listened to a variety of hunting/conservation podcasts. As the owner of Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon was no stranger to podcasting.

In fact, following a successful hunt Brandon and Jesse actually recorded an episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast.If you're interested in listening to that episode it's episode #78: The Man in the Arena: Jesse Deubel. After recording the show, Brandon suggested that the New Mexico Wildlife Federation should have its own podcast and Jesse should be the host. After some reluctance, Jesse agreed and the show was born.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Driftwood Outdoors team, specifically Nathan "Shags" McLeod and Brandon Butler for professionally producing the show each month. We've featured some interesting topics and spoken with some incredible people. We're happy that Brandon Butler's name is now added to that list of special guests. In this conversation Jesse and Brandon discuss a variety of conservation issues from corner crossing to chronic wasting disease and PFAS-forever chemicals. It's a great show with lots of twists and turns, a few laughs and plenty of wisdom being shared.

Enjoy the Listen!  

For more info: 
Driftwod Outdoors YouTube
Driftwod Outdoors Website
Driftwod Outdoors FB
Driftwod Outdoors Instagram

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is proud to announce our recently formed partnership with Legacy Ranch, a shooting range for everyone. At Legacy Ranch, their mission is to provide an exceptional experience for every customer and member while committing to quality across all aspects of their operation. Their focus remains on professionalism, safety, and innovation, ensuring that each venture enhances rather than compromises the overall experience. They strive to build a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By supporting local churches, non-profit organizations, and youth programs, they aim to give back and make a positive impact beyond the range. Legacy Ranch is more than just a shooting facility—it’s a destination where lasting memories and meaningful connections are made. 

Legacy Ranch is more than just a venue. Their 500 acres of breathtaking landscapes, majestic trees, and untouched wilderness create the perfect backdrop for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation's upcoming Outdoor Festival and Skills Competition. This location will serve as an exceptional facility to host our competitions which will include sporting clays, pistol shooting, 3D archery and much more. All of this will be taking place on this serene landscape where nature’s beauty takes center stage. The date of this event is February 28th, 2026 so put it on your calendar. 

On this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast Jesse Deubel sits down with Matthew Fuentes-Tanuz, one of the owners of Legacy Ranch to talk about the range, the upcoming NMWF event and a whole host of interesting and entertaining topics. We'll see you out at Legacy Ranch, but until then...enjoy the listen! 

For more info:
NMWF
Legacy Ranch Instagram
Legacy Ranch FB
Legacy Ranch YouTube
Legacy Ranch Website

Less than 1% of hunters in the United States will ever harvest a bighorn sheep ram. One of the guests on this episode of the Ahi Va podcast talks about the disbelief he felt when he learned that he drew a very coveted tag for a Desert Bighorn Sheep in New Mexico's Fra Cristobal Range.

Garett Hayes joins the show to talk about his recent experience and share the story of the hunt and the harvest with our listeners. Accompanying Garett on that hunt and on this episode is his good friend and hunting partner TJ Montoya. Our host, Jesse Deubel sits down with Garett and TJ to talk about all things wild sheep. Included in the discussion are thoughts regarding the recovery of this iconic North American species as well as threats to its future. In addition to recalling the details of the hunt, our guests share their thoughts on public versus private land conservation, the importance of helping new hunters and taking full advantage of our youthful abilities.

There are some words of special appreciation for Blackhorn Guide Services, the owners of which are friends of the show and appeared on episode 18 of the Ahi Va Podcast. This is a fun and thoughtful conversation that will be appreciated by the 99+% of hunters who have never pursued a bighorn ram as much as it will appeal to those lucky enough to be in the <1% club.

Congratulations on your induction to this prestigious group Garett Hayes! To everyone else, enjoy the listen!   

For more info: 
NMWF Website

When Chrissy Streit met and later married an avid hunter she made it clear that she was never, ever going to hunt. As a very conscientious eater of animal protein, her opinions about hunting shifted over time. When the young couple began a family and the thought of both the origin and the content of the food they would feed their children came into play, Chrissy really began to experience a change of perspective. Now, a very accomplished hunter, gardener, forager and cook, Chrissy shares her journey with others online through her various "Forest and Farm" platforms. 

In this episode, Jesse Deubel and Chrissy Streit talk about Chrissy's transition from being accepting of hunting to becoming a hunter herself. She shares heartfelt stories about the experiences she's had and how it has helped shape her view of life, death and food. From hunting grouse to elk and growing and harvesting species from rabbits to lettuce this episode covers four natural food procurement options that minimize our dependence on the local grocery market. Hunting, fishing, gardening and foraging are all covered in this entertaining and educational conversation. At the root of it all is a reminder about the importance of understanding that all living organisms on this planet are connected. The consequences of humans becoming increasingly distanced from the natural world are real. Being in nature helps our minds and our souls and the [real] food it provides feeds our bodies. Hopefully when you finish listening to this one you'll want to get outside, get your hands dirty and touch grass. Until then, enjoy the listen!  

For more info:
Forest and Farm FB
Forest and Farm Instagram
NMWF Website

Andy McLaughlin joins the show from a remote island in Alaska where he lives off the land enjoying a true subsistence lifestyle. Having grown up with grandparents who were passionate about the outdoors, Andy became interested in nature at a very young age. Spending much of his childhood on farms in the Midwest, his early connections to the land ranged from farming to hunting, fishing and foraging. 

Well respected for his culinary skills and creativity in utilizing wild game in the kitchen, Jesse Deubel first met Andy on the “Hunt, Gather, Cook” Facebook page. This page was created by and is run by famed wild game chef and author Hank Shaw. After years of communicating and sharing recipes, Andy traveled to New Mexico to hunt javelina with Jesse in 2024. The two hunted an area that Hank Shaw would also visit as he did research for his newest book, “Borderlands.” “Borderlands” highlights recipes and stories from the Rio Grande to the Pacific. It’s a must have for every kitchen. 

In spring of 2025 Jesse traveled to Indiana to hunt and fish with Andy on his family farm. In this casual conversation Andy and Jesse recall these experiences as they discuss the critical importance of healthy habitat for sustainable wildlife populations. They also dive into the role hunting plays in effectively managing wildlife. No topic is off limits as they delve into the challenges of climate change and the current threats to public lands. Andy is an incredible outdoorsman with a background in wildlife management. His knowledge and experience are sure to both educate and entertain. Enjoy the listen! 

For more info:
NMWF Website

On this very special episode of the Ahi Va Podcast listeners will have the opportunity to meet District 15; State Representative Dayan Hochman-Vigil. Having served as the Chair of the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee, Rep. Hochman-Vigil was instrumental in helping New Mexico become the very first state ever to develop a statewide Wildlife Corridors Action Plan. Now serving as the House Majority Whip, Rep. Hochman-Vigil continues to leverage her leadership and influence to advance New Mexico's conservation priorities. Joined by Judy Calman from Audubon Southwest, Rep. Hochman-Vigil and podcast host Jesse Deubel all discuss the behind the scenes action that went into passing Senate Bill 5, The Wildlife Heritage Act. Understanding the intricacies of how things work at the New Mexico State Legislature is crucial to finding success each session. Take this opportunity to hear all about it from one of our elected champions inside the Roundhouse. Huge thanks to Rep. Hochman-Vigil for all her work at the Capitol and for taking the time to talk with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Audubon Southwest about it. Enjoy the listen!  

For more info:
NMWF Website

New Mexico became a national leader in providing equitable opportunity to experience the outdoors when the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund was created in 2019. Now, more than five years later, the impact this program has provided to communities across New Mexico is undeniable. Listen in as Jesse Deubel speaks with Karina Armijo, the director of New Mexico's Outdoor Recreation Division. Karina Armijo has 27 years of experience supporting small businesses and events in Northern New Mexico in both the public and private sectors. After receiving a B.S. in Design from the University of Cincinnati, Karina spent time at Los Alamos National Laboratory working in the communications department. She later continued her career in the private sector providing creative and web design services for the tourism and outdoor recreation-related industries. Most recently, she spent eight years with the Town of Taos as the first Director of Marketing and Tourism, developing and managing local and regional programs to support businesses and events throughout the Enchanted Circle. 

Also joining the discussion are Sarah Candelaria and Matthew Monjaras. Matthew is the founder of Impact Outdoors and is no stranger to the Ahi Va Podcast. As a regular guest of the show Matt is always eager to share the work of Impact Outdoors. Their mission is to impact communities through education, conservation, and meaningful outdoor opportunities. In this conversation Matt explains how the NM Outdoor Equity Fund has helped him and Impact Outdoors achieve this mission. 

Sarah Candelaria is the founder and executive director of Nature Ninos New Mexico. Nature Niños' mission is to expand access to the outdoors, share all it has to offer, and invite youth and families who might not readily access the outdoors into a safe, and welcoming community where they build skills and grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. They provide an entry point to the outdoors for all who find themselves with any form of "nature nerves." They provide safe, and welcoming spaces to invite youth and families to make their own connections and memories with nature. Their goal is to introduce and encourage all New Mexicans, of all ages, to explore and enjoy our lands and waters safely and freely. They invest time introducing youth to their eco-identity through the visual arts, music, theater, spoken word and other mediums while encouraging their creativity and personal expression. Nature Ninos expands access to the outdoors, shares all it has to offer, and builds skills to grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. Sarah and Nature Ninos have also received support from the NM Outdoor Equity fund. Tune in to learn how those resources have helped improve the lives of young people from communities all across New Mexico. Enjoy the listen!

For more info: 
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Nature Ninos New Mexico
Impact Outdoors
NMWF

Senate Bill 5 [SB5], The Wildlife Heritage Act recently passed the NM State Legislature and was signed into law. SB5 provides a wholistic approach to updating the systems in place for wildlife management in New Mexico. This bill was supported by one of the largest and most diverse conservation coalitions ever to be assembled in the state. Each organization who worked tirelessly to help this necessary bill become law approached the goal from a unique perspective. The values, priorities and mission statements represented by the more than twenty groups who formed this united team are often quite different. One core belief shared universally by the coalition is that future generations of New Mexicans deserve to enjoy robust wildlife populations in the fourth most biodiverse state in the Nation. United by this truth, conservation leaders across New Mexico agreed to push our differences aside and focus on this common goal. The result was success. 

Jesse Deubel joins Judy Calman of Audubon Southwest, Matthew Monjaras of Impact Outdoors and John Rutter of The New Mexico Houndsmen Association in this discussion about the monumental improvements provided through SB5. While each of these organizations were motivated by different reasons, all supported SB5 and all were instrumental in the bill's success. In his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," author Stephen Covey writes "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." By heeding that advice, a large conglomeration of interest groups in New Mexico has effectively transformed the future of wildlife management in the Land of Enchantment. This is a win for all people and a win for all wildlife. Enjoy the listen!  

For more info: 
NMWF Website

Jesse Deubel invites David Willms, Associate Vice President of Public Lands for the National Wildlife Federation onto the show. Before joining the National Wildlife Federation, David served as a natural resources policy advisor to Wyoming Governor Matthew H. Mead, and a natural resource attorney in both the public and the private sector. He also teaches a graduate course on the Endangered Species Act at the University of Wyoming, and writes frequently on various wildlife and land management issues. A regular guest on many national hunting podcasts including Meat Eater and Hunt Talk Radio, David is well respected as a national expert on issues relating to public lands, waters and wildlife.

In this discussion David and Jesse cover the variety of threats currently facing public lands. They also discuss a recent ruling regarding grizzly bears that could have an effect on the future of the Endangered Species Act. David shares his thoughts on the potential for passing the Recovering America's Wildlife Act given the current political landscape in Washington D.C. The two talk about a new partnership between the National Wildlife Federation and NBC that resulted in a brand new documentary series called, "The Americas." This is a ten episode documentary series narrated by Tom Hanks that showcases the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the wild places and wild animals in North and South America.   

Most importantly, Jesse and David explain how and why all Americans who care about public lands should be doing everything in their power to advocate for the places they love. It starts by showing up and making yourself heard. One great place to do that is at the New Mexico Wildlife Federation's "Camo at the Capitol" event being held at the Roundhouse, New Mexico's state capitol on March 7th, 2025 from 12:00pm-3:00pm. Please make plans to be in attendance at this event. Your voice matters, but it's only heard if you show up. Until then, enjoy the listen!   

For more info:
NMWF Website
National Wildlife Federation Website

Hunting is conservation. That phrase was popularized by David Allen while he was the CEO at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. David is a marketing genius. That phrase went viral and hunters continue to use it at every opportunity. There is a lot of truth to those words. For about the last 100 years hunters have been the primary source of conservation funding. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is an enterprise agency. The roughly $50 million dollars per year they operate with is not provided by tax dollars or other general fund appropriations. Instead, their budget is a result of dollars spent on hunting and fishing licenses and federally matched dollars generated by an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and some other fishing and hunting gear. This model has worked historically, but it's not sustainable into the future. 

Conservation funding must be broadened. The Public Trust Doctrine makes clear that wildlife exists in trust and shall be managed for the benefit of all the residents of the state. Because wildlife belongs equally to all the residents, all the residents should contribute to the financial investment needed to effectively manage that wildlife. Through a variety of strategies, New Mexico's conservation funding is both increasing and becoming more diverse. It's more critical than ever that hunters welcome to the table those co-owners of our wildlife who choose not to hunt. This is happening in a huge way in New Mexico. In this episode, Jesse Deubel facilitates a conversation with members of the New Mexico Conservation Coalition to discuss how they are working together to reform the NM State Game Commission, and support our state wildlife agency by ensuring they have the tools, authority and funding necessary to carry out their mission. By working together we can sustain our hunting and fishing traditions. Enjoy the listen!    

For more info: 
NMWF Website