Anyone who has driven through New Mexico recently has seen the large installations of wind turbines popping up across the landscape. If you've been next to a semi-truck carrying a single blade for use on one of those turbines you can appreciate the massive size of these windmills. These modern structures are drastically different from the old, rickety, wooden stands that might stretch 40' into the air and support a metal bladed pinwheel designed to pump water from the ground. These modern, power-producing, engineering marvels have caused concern for wildlife enthusiasts since their introduction. Pattern Energy is one of the largest developers, owners, and operators of high-quality wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects in all of North America.  During this episode of the Ahi Va podcast Jesse Deubel sits down with Adam Cernea Clark who's the Director of Permitting & Policy Strategy, as well as Quentin Hays who is a Senior Wildlife Ecologist and the Wildlife and Renewables Program Director for GeoSystems Analysis, Inc. The trio does a deep dive into how Pattern Energy continues to address the concerns of wildlife advocates in New Mexico as they work to power our future. The conversation drifts from the dangers of lead ammunition to the importance of wildlife crossings to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions. There is plenty of discussion about bats and the agave plants they pollinate. This episode is full of valuable information and it just might change the way you look at wind turbines? Enjoy the listen!

Join NMWF's executive director Jesse Deubel as he talks with the president and president-elect of NMWF's board of directors. After spending his career with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, John Crenshaw has invested twelve years leading NMWF as a board member and perhaps as the longest serving president of the board. John shares some very interesting history about the organization and numerous issues that hunters and anglers in New Mexico care about. As John prepares for his second retirement, Jason Kerkmans has been elected to lead NMWF as the new board president. Jason recalls his first interaction with the organization and shares some intriguing facts about his significant contribution to NMWF long before he was even a member. John, Jason and Jesse engage in discussion that provides a peek behind the curtain as to how NMWF operates and the way decisions are made. If you're inspired by what you hear, give NMWF a call at (505) 299-5404 or send an email to [email protected] to inquire about how you can increase your level of involvement in New Mexico conservation. Enjoy the listen!  

For more info:
NMWF

Mandela Leola van Eeden sits down with Jesse Deubel to discuss "The Trail Less Traveled" and a wide array of global conservation topics. "The Trail Less Traveled," hosted by Mandela, is dedicated to documenting humanity & planet earth by gathering stories & sounds from the most remote locations around the world. 

Growing up, Mandela spent a season in South Africa, a season in Montana & various seasons traveling the world with her flight attendant mother & vagabond father. At an early age Mandela fell in love with juxtapositions between cultures, music, food & weather of the northern & southern hemispheres.  Mandela was raised on a nature reserve at the most southern point of South Africa. Growing up in the bush cultivated a passion for wildlife conservation & human rights which is a consistent theme in her broadcasts & outreach programs. For the past decade Mandela has worked on a series focused on the genocide of African elephants & rhinos, the slaughter of protected species of sharks in Australia, the use of 1080 by the New Zealand government to control invasive predators & heritage theft/illegal wildlife trade across Asia.

Mandela's captivating stories thrill and engage audiences by taking them to places they would never go, sharing the stories of people they could never meet & learning about our mysterious, sometimes dangerous, world filled with wildness, diverse cultures, hardship, courage & alternative ways of living and surviving. Enjoy the listen! 

For more info: 
Trail Less Traveled Website
Trail Less Traveled Podcast
Game Rangers International
New Mexico Wildlife Federation

On June 3rd, 1924 the Gila Wilderness became the world's first ever administratively designated wilderness. Forty years later when the Wilderness Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson the National Wilderness Preservation System was established and the Gila became a congressionally designated wilderness. Remarkably, even four decades before the United States Congress had the ability to designate wilderness, a U.S. Forest Service employee by the name of Aldo Leopold had a vision for the idea of wilderness protection. Leopold's unwavering commitment to protecting the Gila in its natural state led to the original designation. That initial, administrative designation began what would later become one of the most celebrated forms of permanent land protection in the United States. There are still some people who oppose the idea of designated wilderness areas, or other land protections. That was also the case when Leopold dreamed up his idea of wilderness and when the Wilderness Act was eventually passed. According to the historian James Trefethen, author of An American Crusade for Wildlife, consistent opposition was found in the House by the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. “The wilderness proposal was bitterly opposed by a coalition of western commercial interests, including the mining companies, timber corporations, and livestock associations.” These same industry groups continue to oppose ongoing land protection campaigns today. With history as our teacher though, we can clearly see that permanently protecting wild places for future generations pays off and in the long run these victories are overwhelmingly appreciated. Listen in as Dr. Karl Malcolm from the United States Forest Service moderates a panel consisting of Jeremy Romero of the National Wildlife Federation, Tisha Broska of NM WIld and Jesse Deubel of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. This group of modern-day conservationists share personal stories as they reflect on the world's first ever designated wilderness. Happy 100th birthday to the Gila Wilderness. Enjoy the listen!   

For more info:
National Wildlife Federation
United States Forest Service
NM Wild
New Mexico Wildlife Federation

On this special episode, Jesse Deubel talks with Brandon Butler about all things conservation including Brandon's newest film, "SHIRAS: A Nonresident Montana Moose Hunt."

Brandon Butler is a syndicated outdoor newspaper columnist and freelance magazine writer. His column, Driftwood Outdoors, has appeared in over 50 different newspapers and magazines, and currently runs in over 30 publications. He has won many awards for his outdoor communication work.

Butler has established himself as a conservation and outdoor media leader of his generation. He is currently the chief executive officer of Retrieving Freedom, Inc. Retrieving Freedom, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization passionately committed to enhancing the lives of Veterans and children with autism through their specialized Service Dog training program. Brandon also spent five years as the executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. He created and taught Conservation Communications at the University of Missouri.

Butler is actively involved in conservation organizations. He is a life member of CFM, NRA, Boone & Crockett Club, Trout Unlimited, Fly Fishers International and Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation. He holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University, a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and is currently completing an Executive M.B.A. at the University of Missouri.

Jesse and Brandon talk about the new film and the ongoing challenge of separating politics from conservation. Brandon also provides a very exciting sneak peak into his next project, "In District Outdoors." Enjoy the listen! 

Watch SHIRAS: A Nonresident Montana Moose Hunt HERE!

For more info:
Driftwood Outdoors
Driftwood Outdoors Facebook
Driftwood Outdoors Instagram
NMWF

On this very special episode of the show Jesse Deubel sits down to have a candid conversation with his good friend and mentor, Kent Salazar. Kent worked for 20 years as a director of environmental health for the City of Albuquerque. He was appointed by NM Governor Johnson to the Western Governors Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission to develop regulations to improve visibility in Class 1 wildlife areas; and Governor Richardson to serve on the NM Climate Change Task Force and develop transportation CO reduction programs. In 2009, he was appointed by NM Senator Jeff Bingaman to serve on the U.S. Senate's Outdoor Resources Review Group. Starting in 2009, he served a three year term as a New Mexico State Game Commissioner being appointed by NM Governor Bill Richardson. In 2011, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to Chair the Valles Caldera National Trust Board which he helped transition to a National Park and Preserve. This is a very condensed version of Kent's biography. His conservation accomplishments are too extensive to list. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true inspiration. Enjoy the listen!  

For more info:
New Mexico Wildlife Federation 

The Arizona State Game Commission recently passed a rule to eliminate the practice of auctioning off select tags for big game species as a tool to raise money for conservation. Many people are concerned the reduction in conservation dollars will have a negative impact on wildlife in the state. Some advocates commend the commission in Arizona for their ongoing commitment to adhering to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and respecting wildlife as a public trust resource. In this episode, Jesse Deubel talks with Michael Cravens of the Arizona Wildlife Federation to discuss the nuances surrounding this recent rule change. They also talk about ongoing efforts in the Arizona state legislature to take public lands from public hands. Jesse and Michael compare and contrast the conservation issues in their respective, neighboring states. This is a great conversation between two friends and colleagues who work tirelessly to overcome the challenges that threaten the future of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation on public lands. Enjoy the listen!  

For more info:
Arizona Wildlife Federation
NMWF

If one wants to learn to play the guitar, a quick search on Google will likely reveal a variety of instructors in your state willing to provide lessons. If you have a guitar, and maybe even if you don't, the process of beginning to learn how to pick the strings is relatively easy. A quick internet search, a couple phone calls and a few dollars later, one will likely be receiving professional coaching on how to produce music on that instrument. Overcoming the barriers to entry when it comes to hunting, and especially Western hunting is far more challenging. Generally speaking, it takes many hard-earned seasons of trial and error for one to become proficient in the art and science of hunting elk. One way to reduce your learning curve and expedite your path to success in the field is to hire a professional coach. When it comes to coaching elk hunters no one is more qualified than Joe Giglia of Elk Bros. Coach Giglia has taken 37 elk in 40 years on public land. In this episode Joe sits down to talk with Jesse Deubel at the New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Hunting and Fishing Show. This conversation is packed full of useful information and will leave you dreaming of hearing bugling bulls this fall. If you want to maximize your chances of connecting with one of those bulls and invest in truly becoming a master of your craft, give Coach Giglia a call. Enjoy the Listen!

Elk Bros Website

Join Big Addison and Jesse Deubel as they discuss the history and magnificence of Columbus, NM and the vast public lands surrounding this quaint community. Today, most visitors to Columbus are there for a short stop while en route to Old Mexico. Situated just a few miles north of the port of entry to Palomas, MX visitors often stay on the US side of the border and walk over to Mexico for shopping, dining and reduced price medical care. The treasures of this region are plentiful and one of New Mexico's best kept secrets. A visit here wouldn't be complete without checking out Pancho Villa State Park. Jesse Deubel frequents the area because it offers some of the most exceptional quail hunting in the world. Complete with luxurious amenities and a welcoming attitude towards hunting dogs, the Hole in the Wall Getaway makes a perfect homebase for hunters. In addition to robust quail populations and a high concentration of javelina, the nearby Florida Mountains are home to gravity-defying persian ibex. The spectacular public lands around this region are rich with cultural sites and they deserve permanent protection. A National Monument designation would ensure that these areas remain pristine for future generations while simultaneously enhancing existing uses like hunting, hiking, regulated off-highway-vehicle adventures and cattle grazing. For more information about the benefits a national monument would provide, please visit www.protectmimbrespeaks.org . Enjoy the Listen!

For more info:
Hole in the wall getaway
Palomas
Columbus, NM
NWMF

"I'm only one person so I can't make a difference...said eight billion people." "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit."

Both of these quotes came up during this great conversation between Jesse Deubel, Matthew Monjaras, Justin Trussell and Anthony Lucero. This dynamic group discusses a variety of topics including waterfowl hunting, water management, habitat conservation and the importance of educational outreach. All four of these friends have shared time working in the conservation space and all four have enjoyed the fruits of their labor pursuing game together in the field. This episode includes a summary of the successes had by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Impact Outdoors in 2023. The group also forecasts the remainder of the hunting season and brainstorms about the challenges facing the conservation community in the year ahead. Happy New year and enjoy the listen!

For more info:
NMWF website
Impact Outdoors