Ahi Va

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

At Zulu, they believe that everything is better in hiking boots. Zulu Archery & Outdoors is a veteran-owned business that supports all local outdoor communities and provides outdoor experiences that can accommodate any explorer. Their outdoor services provide life-skill experiences through hiking, land navigation, camping adventures, and guided hunts. They specialize in creating outdoor experiences that help their customers grow in their physical abilities, confidence, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to different situations in nature. Zulu also provides Level 2 USA Archery Instruction that helps elevate the shooting skills of all ages and experience levels. In this episode, Jesse Deubel sits down to talk with Chris Myers, the owner and CEO of Zulu Archery & Outdoors. Chris has more than 20 years of hunting experience in rural mountainous terrain. Having grown up in Texas and traveling the world with the Air Force, Chris has learned the importance of public lands. The serenity that being outdoors on public lands provides to him is something that he wants everyone to experience. The life lessons learned from hiking, camping, and basic survival skills have helped him overcome difficult terrain both literally and figuratively. Enjoy the listen! 

For more info: 
Zulu Archery 
NMWF

URGENT: The very existence of public lands in the United States of America is under the greatest threat conceivable. What would the loss of public lands mean for you, your family and the activities you enjoy? What if the road leading to your favorite trailhead or camping spot was gated and locked? What if you were blocked from your favorite hiking or fishing spot by "PRIVATE-NO TRESPASSING" signs. Whether you enjoy visiting National Parks, wildlife refuges, lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management or the United States Forest Service, all of these places are currently at risk of becoming private property. The elimination of federally managed public lands in the United States would have drastic and far-reaching consequences for the quality of life for all Americans. If you hunt and fish on public land you should be hyper aware of the current efforts spawned by the state of Utah. If you make a living grazing cattle on public lands the ramifications of Utah succeeding in this heist will severely impact your livelihood. In this very important conversation, Aaron Kindle, Director of Sporting Advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation sits down with Jesse Deubel to discuss the latest updates in the case, how we got here and what you can do to get involved. If you love public lands and all the opportunities they provide this is not an episode you will necessarily enjoy listening to. This one isn't for entertainment. Please listen to this emergency 45 minute episode to become informed so you can join the fight. In this episode Aaron Kindle refers to this issue as "the fight of our life." 

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Seek Outside designs and manufactures performance-built backcountry products in Western Colorado. The mission of Seek Outside is founded in their passion for the outdoors, wild places and the experiences they provide. The company exists to improve the all season backcountry experience, and to help protect and conserve the wild places we all love. In mid-October, Jesse Deubel had the opportunity to put some Seek Outside gear to the test during a muzzleloader elk hunt in the Gila. After the hunt he sat down with Kevin Timm, the founder and owner of Seek Outside to discuss the origins of the company, the products and the conservation ethic the company is so well known for. As you'll hear, Kevin and the team at Seek Outside have a passion for big adventures in wild places. That is is why Seek Outside proudly supports groups that teach, mentor and protect these special places. They have earned multiple achievements including winning the Larry Fisher Award for their commitment to conservation. Through the years, they have supported many grassroots conservation causes such as A Year in The Wilderness. Seek Outside not only provides all season backcountry performance gear, but also protects the interests of the sportsman and the recreational adventurer. This conversation will educate you about the process of designing, building and testing some of the best backcountry gear on the market. Enjoy the listen! 

For more info:
Seek Outside
Seek Outside FB
Seek Outside Youtube
NMWF