Connecting with Conservation

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dr. Julie Thorstenson, Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie shares her remarkable journey from wildlife habitat restoration on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to leading a national organization dedicated to supporting tribal conservation efforts. Her insights reveal the complexity of managing fish, wildlife, and ecosystems across tribal lands and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation strategies.

The conversation explores pressing issues such as invasive species management, climate adaptation, and funding inequities that tribes face. Julie highlights innovative projects like beaver relocation, feral horse management, and youth education programs aimed at growing the next generation of Native conservation leaders. This episode is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just science—it’s culture, resilience, and collaboration. Tune in to learn how tribal voices are shaping the future of wildlife management in North America.

For more information:

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: https://nafws.org

#wildlifeconservation #nativeamerican #indigenousleadership #fishandwildlife #habitatrestoration #climateadaptation #invasivespecies #BeaverRestoration #FeralHorses #conservationeducation #tribalsovereignty #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlifemanagement #connectingwithconservation #conservationfunding #sustainableecosystems #YouthInConservation #environmentalstewardship #IndigenousConservation

Dive into the business of conservation with Tom Willingham of Range USA, discussing the recent opening of their 50th indoor range, welcoming 350,000+ new shooters yearly, and how the excise tax from firearms and ammo sales helps to support wildlife conservation. Hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto explore how indoor ranges cure cabin fever while supporting wildlife, habitats, shooting opportunities, and other outdoor-related recreation.

Learn how recreational shooting bolsters the billion-dollar conservation efforts, and how every round fired helps.

For more information:

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org

Range USA: https://rangeusa.com

#wildlifeconservation #rangetalking #shootingranges #excisetax #newshooters #RangeUSA #targetpractice #hunteradoption #firearmsafety #conservationfunding #indoorranges #wildlifemanagement #shootinglessons #huntingprogression #pittmanrobertson #cabinfever #gunretail #wildlifefunds #outdoorsports #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards

Wildlife migration is one of the most fascinating, and urgent, challenges in modern conservation. Today we’re joined by Casey Stemler, former U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service leader and architect of the national Wildlife Corridor & Big Game Migration Initiative (Secretarial Order 3362). Casey’s background spans wildlife biology, policy development, and federal leadership, making him uniquely qualified to explain how major landscape-scale conservation happens.

We discuss:

This is a deep dive into how policy bridges science and on-the-ground wildlife work, and why migration connectivity is one of the most impactful conservation frontiers of our time.

Resources Mentioned & Places to Get Involved:

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute.

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://www.outdoorstewards.org.

Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: https://wafwa.org.

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation: https://congressionalsportsmen.org.

Safari Club International: https://safariclub.org.

#wildlifecorridors #migration #conservation #biggame #ElkMigration #pronghorn #HabitatConnectivity #conservationpodcast #fishandwildlife #SecretarialOrder3362 #wildlife #wildlifemanagement #HighwayCrossings #connectingwithconservation #wildlifemanagementinstitute #conservationfunding #fws #conservationstewards

Hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto interview Dan Forster, VP and Chief Conservation Officer of the Archery Trade Association (ATA), on the podcast Connecting with Conservation. They explore ATA’s evolution from a business trade show to a key player in policy and funding for wildlife efforts. Forster details his wildlife biology background and Georgia DNR leadership before joining ATA.

The episode dives into excise taxes on bows, arrows, and accessories, which generate $50 million annually for state agencies—funding habitat, research, and access beyond just game species. Challenges like tax slippage on imported arrows threaten U.S. manufacturers and conservation dollars, with ATA pushing bipartisan bills to close loopholes. Discussions also cover PR Modernization Act successes, like earmarking funds for hunter recruitment (R3), and efforts to standardize archaic archery regs across states.

Relevance ties directly to hunters and shooters: These taxes sustain public lands and programs you use, while ATA modernizes rules for crossbows, target archery growth, and fair competition. Attending the ATA Show offers hands-on gear testing and supports the industry fueling conservation.

For More Information

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute

WMI Outdoor News Bulletin: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/outdoor-news-bulletin

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://outdoorstewards.org

Archery Trade Association: https://archerytrade.org

#huntingpodcast  #conservationfunding  #ArcheryTrade  #excisetax  #pittmanrobertson  #R3Efforts  #bowhunting  #targetarchery  #ATA2026  #wildlifemanagement  #HunterRecruitment  #crossbows  #ArrowSlippage  #publiclands  #outdoorstewards  #wmi  #DanForster  #JonGassett  #JimCurcuruto  #tradeshows  #wildlifemanagementinstitute   #OutdoorNewsBulletin

Elk once roamed much of the eastern United States but restoring them has taken decades of science, funding, and collaboration. In this episode, Steven Dobey, Mission Lead for the Eastern Region of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), joins us to explore how elk restoration has succeeded across Appalachia and the Midwest.

We discuss the history of eastern elk extirpation, modern restoration efforts, and how states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina are managing growing elk populations today. Steven explains how hunters, conservation organizations, and state agencies work together through habitat protection, conservation easements, public access projects, and research, often leveraging Pittman-Robertson funds alongside private donations.

The conversation also dives into current challenges, including disease risk (CWD), fragmented private land ownership, wildlife corridors, and balancing human–elk coexistence in the East. This episode highlights how elk restoration benefits far more than elk, improving habitat for deer, turkeys, bears, and countless non-game species. If you’re interested in how wildlife conservation is funded and delivered on the ground, this is a must-listen episode.

Learn more:

Wildlife Management Institute — https://wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation — https://www.stewardsofconservation.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation — https://www.rmef.org

#ElkRestoration , #RockyMountainElkFoundation , #wildlifeconservation , #wildlife , #publicland , #habitatprotection , #pittmanrobertson , #HuntersForConservation , #elkhunting , #conservationfunding , #AppalachianWildlife , #connectingwithconservation , #RMEF , #wildlifemanagementinstitute , #outdoorstewards , #wildlifemanagement

Commissioner Judy Camuso of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife joins us to explore one of the most wildlife-rich states in the U.S. We dive into the science, management, and on-the-ground conservation work that keeps Maine’s natural heritage thriving. From world-class target shooting programs and public shooting ranges, to ice-fishing traditions, brook trout and Arctic char research, and the nation’s longest-running black bear study, this episode highlights how conservation science shapes real results.

We also discuss Maine’s adaptive moose management in the face of winter tick impacts, innovative camera-trap monitoring for furbearers, Operation Game Thief’s efforts against poaching, and a surprising new discovery—golden eagles wintering in Maine. Whether you hunt, fish, trap, shoot, watch wildlife, or simply love the outdoors, Maine has opportunities found nowhere else.

If you enjoy behind-the-scenes conservation stories, give this episode a thumbs up and subscribe to get updates when new episodes drop.

Learn more: Wildlife Management Institute — https://wildlifemanagement.institute Stewards of Conservation Foundation — https://www.stewardsofconservation.org New England Naturals — https://www.nenaturals.com #maine ,

#conservationscience , #moose , #ArcticChar , #blackbear , #HuntingCulture , #icefishing , #targetshooting , #wildlifemanagement , #outdoorrecreation , #pittmanrobertson , #fishandwildlife , #eagles , #brooktrout , #OerationGameThief , #connectingwithconservation , #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards

Discover the essential role that regulated trapping plays in North American wildlife conservation. In this episode, Jon and Jim sit down with Jake DeBow of New England Naturals to explore how modern trapping works, why it matters, and how fur, meat, and other resources can be utilized in sustainable and ethical ways. We discuss the real science behind trapping, state wildlife agency needs, and how trappers contribute critical data to wildlife management programs. 

Jake also shares how he and his wife built New England Naturals into a fast-growing fur products and education brand—combining traditional fur handling with modern outreach through social media. From innovative uses of Merino-lined beaver mittens to educational videos reaching millions, Jake explains how transparency, communication, and responsible practices can win over the “middle 80%” of the public who may not fully understand trapping. 

We also dive into predator-prey balance, beaver management, sustainability, best management practices (BMPs), and why regulated trapping remains an indispensable tool for wildlife agencies. Whether you’re a trapper, hunter, angler, conservation professional, or simply curious, this episode offers a clear, fact-based look behind the scenes at a part of conservation many people rarely get to see.

For more information: Wildlife Management Institute (WMI): https://wildlifemanagement.institute/ Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://www.stewardsofconservation.org/ New England Naturals: https://newenglandnaturals.net/

#trapping #wildlifemanagement #Furbearers #NewEnglandNaturals #outdoorstewards #RegulatedTrapping #SustainableUse #HuntingAndTrapping #conservationpodcast #conservation #wildlife #connectingwithconservation #wildlifemanagementinstitute

Go behind the scenes of West Virginia’s wildlife management with Paul Johansen, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we explore how elk restoration, big-game management, and healthy forests are funded and sustained through hunting and fishing license dollars, federal excise taxes, and powerful public–private partnerships.

Paul shares how West Virginia successfully rebuilt an elk population in the Appalachian coalfields, modeled after Kentucky’s nationally recognized restoration program. We dive into the challenges of wildlife health, including hemorrhagic disease in deer and avian influenza in birds, and how state wildlife agencies use science-based management to protect habitat, species, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

We also highlight West Virginia’s exceptional trout fisheries, public lands, bird watching opportunities, and the state’s commitment to R3—recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters and anglers. Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply enjoy getting outside, this episode explains how conservation really works and why sportsmen and women continue to be the driving force behind America’s wildlife success stories.

For more information, go to:

www.wvdnr.gov

www.wildlifemanagement.institute

www.stewardsofconservation.org

#conservation #conservationpodcast #wildlifemanagement #westvirginia #ElkRestoration #HuntingHeritage #fishing #publiclands #afwa #wildlifehealth #outdoorrecreation #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #connectingwithconservation

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Kyle Tengwall, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Strategy at Smith & Wesson. Kyle shares insights from more than 25 years in the shooting sports and outdoor industry, including his early days at Federal Ammunition, his time with Duck Commander at the height of Duck Dynasty, and his leadership role at one of America’s most iconic firearm manufacturers.

Kyle discusses Smith & Wesson’s deep connection to conservation through the Pittman–Robertson Act, with more than $257 million in excise-tax contributions over the past five years helping fund wildlife management, public shooting ranges, hunter education, habitat access, and other on-the-ground conservation efforts. The conversation also explores S&W’s role in supporting veterans, expanding opportunities for new shooters, and the launch of the new Smith & Wesson Academy, offering training for both civilians and law enforcement.

From the resurgence of lever-action rifles to responsible firearm ownership, competitive shooting, and the importance of welcoming newcomers, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how manufacturers and sportsmen fuel the conservation model that benefits all Americans. For more information, go to: https://www.smith-wesson.com, https://www.wildlifemanagement.institute, or https://www.outdoorstewards.org.

#conservation , #SmithAndWesson , #FirearmsIndustry , #hunting , #shootingsports , #OutdoorIndustry , #pittmanrobertson , #wildlifemanagement , #leveractionrifle , #targetshooting , #gunsafety , #firearmtraining , #outdoorrecreation , #connectingwithconservation , #podcastepisode , #outdoorstewards , #wildlifemanagementinstitute

This episode of “Connecting with Conservation” features an in-depth conversation with Jason Lupardus, CEO of Turkeys for Tomorrow, alongside Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto from Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation. The hosts and guest discuss the challenges facing wild turkey populations across the southeastern United States. Jason shares personal stories from his early days turkey hunting in Alabama and his long career in wildlife biology, illustrating why grassroots efforts matter in modern conservation.

Key topics covered include regional declines in turkey productivity, the impact of habitat fragmentation, predation, and changing hunter behavior, as well as research efforts led by Turkeys for Tomorrow. Jason elaborates on the organization’s science-driven approach, how demographic shifts—more 20-30 year-old members—are shaping conservation, and the importance of active management strategies to ensure turkey populations thrive. Conversation highlights how feeding practices impact wildlife behaviors and disease transmission, making a case for more thoughtful wildlife management.

Listeners learn how organizations like Turkeys for Tomorrow, the Wildlife Management Institute (https://wildlifemanagement.institute), and Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (https://outdoorstewards.org) are collaborating to support research, habitat management, and hunter education. Jason provides actionable recommendations for both hunters and non-hunters, emphasizing simple steps such as stopping wildlife feeding and encouraging the return of traditional woodsmanship.

Resources and contact information are shared, including the Turkeys for Tomorrow website (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org), which offers opportunities for volunteering, attending events, and donating in support of critical conservation research. The episode closes by reminding listeners that conservation takes broad participation and ongoing curiosity to preserve both turkeys and the hunting heritage for future generations.

#TurkeyConservation , #wildlifemanagement , #outdoorstewards , #TurkeysForTomorrow , #habitatrestoration , #PrescribedFire , #conservationpodcast , #Woodsmanship , #PredatorManagement , #huntingethics , #SoutheasternWildlife , #wildlifemanagementinstitute , #wildlife , #hunting