Conservation Unfiltered

On this episode, Jason talks with Bryan Burhans of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bryan is the Executive Director and this is our annual episode discussing the past year, along with the upcoming year. Topics discussed during the episode include the 2023 Bear and Deer seasons, changes to expect in 2024, and how the process of proposed changes work.

Website | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, Jason talks with Sara Mueller of the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Sara is the Executive Director of the WLA where she leads the administration and organizational growth and development for the organization. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with her B.S., Master’s degree, and Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

During the conversation, Sara discusses the mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy, the benefit of the summer field schools, and how you can participate. She rounds out the conversation detailing the Ambassador Outreach Program, DEI initiatives, and what's next for WLA.

In this episode Jason talks with Jeannine Fleegle and Andrea Korman of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Jeannine is a wildlife biologist working specifically with deer and elk and Andrea is the CWD section Supervisor. During the conversation, Jeannine and Andrea describe Chronic Wasting Disease, how it is transferred, and what species it can affect. They also detail why CWD is such a concern, what the PGC is doing to slow the spread, and how testing deer works for both the agency and hunters. They also touch on advice for consuming CWD positive meat and why hunters need to do their part.

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Ellen Candler. Ellen received her PhD in Conservation Science-Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Minnesota and is currently a postdoctoral researcher. She grew up in Idaho camping, hiking, rafting, hunting, and fishing, which led to a love of the outdoors. During the conversation, Dr. Candler lets us in on a unique project she is running: the Offal Wildlife Watching Project. She talks about the origin of the project, some of the animals and behaviors noticed, and how a hunter impacts wildlife after a successful hunt. The episode ends with how you can help the project by participating in citizen science!

Website | Zooniverse | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In this episode, Jason talks with Randy Ferguson about the good will of hunters in PA. Randy is the Executive Director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest and previously worked as the Volunteer coordinator for Crawford and Mercer counties. During the conversation, Randy tells us about the mission of HSH, how this all got started, and how the process works for both hunters and deer processers. He also details who benefits from the program, shares how successful the program has been in recent years, and how you can get involved with donations of deer or money.

Website | Processor Map | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

In this EMERGENCY BONUS episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don is the PA Chairman of the BHA and a returning guest. He fills us in on a specific amendment to HB 1300, a state budget bill. This amendment redirects (STEALS) $150 million from the Game Fund and allocates that money for alternate spending. Listen in as Don explains how this is a terrible financial decision for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunters, conservationists, and outdoors people of all kinds.

Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Conservation Voters of PA, Ducks Unlimited, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Natural Lands, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Sierra Club PA Chapter, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy PA/DE Chapter, The Trust for Public Land, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Trout Unlimited, WeConservePA, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, American Sportfishing Association, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Congressional Sportsmen Federation, Delta Waterfowl, Hunters for Sunday Hunting, National Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists, Pheasants Forever/ Quail Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society, SCI: First for Hunters...AND GROWING!

In this episode, Jason talks with Todd Holmes of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Todd is the Shooting Sports Division Chief and acting National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state coordinator. During the conversation, Todd fills us in on his role within the PGC, what NASP does, and how the program benefits kids. He also details how you can get your school involved with NASP, a possible political impact, and a new youth camp to look for in 2024!

Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!⁠

On this episode, Jason talks with Bob Frye of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bob is formerly the outdoor columnist for the Tribune Review and currently the Associate Editor of the PA Game News. During the conversation, Bob details how he started his writing career, gives advice on how to become an outdoor writer, and shares tips for how to hone your writing skills. He also dives into some of his favorite stories from his career.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!
Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Chris Beichner. Chris graduated from Clarion University and is the President and CEO of Allegheny Land Trust. His tenure has witnessed the creation of ATL's Community Conservation strategic focus, which includes conserving land in the City of Pittsburgh. During the conversation, Chris fills us in on the Mission of Allegheny Land Trust, general conservation benefits of setting aside land, and how the process works. He also details why partnerships are such a critical need, why they've partnered with GROW Pittsburgh, and how you can get involved.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!
Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!