Conservation Unfiltered

In today's episode, Jason is joined by Leland Brown and Chris Parish, co-founders of the North American Non-Lead Partnership. Leland is a lifelong outdoorsman and the Non-led hunting education program manager for the Oregon Zoo. Chris is a lifelong hunter, conservation biologist, and President of the Peregrine Fund. During the episode, Leland and Chris tell us about the mission and goals of the North American Non-Lead Partnership, how it got started, and why education is such a big part of what they are trying to do. They also discuss why lead is so toxic to raptors, how (and why) hunters can help, and why a lead ammunition ban isn't the goal of the organization.

NonLeadPartnership.org | Facebook | Instagram

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Dr. Doug Tallamy. Doug is an Entomologist, Professor at the University of Delaware, and author. His works can be found in 'Brining Nature Home,' 'Nature's Best Hope,' and 'The Nature of Oaks' as well as multiple courses taught over his 41 year academic career. During the conversation, Doug fills us in on the grassroots movement of Homegrown National Park, why biodiversity is important to humans, and what the average person can do to prevent biodiversity loss. He will also share the importance of what he calls Keystone Native Species, why private landowners are a key cog in the biodiversity wheel, and the importance of "getting yourself on the Map."

homegrownnationalpark.org | Get on the Map | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

In this week's episode, Jason talks with John Jurko II. John is a filmmaker, podcaster, and lover of books, nature, and adventure. John grew up in rural northeast Ohio in the village of Yankee Lake, and from a young age was immersed in nature. After studying film at university he spent 2 years living in Los Angeles working in the camera department on indie films, he produced and directed corporate videos for big brands in Atlanta, Georgia, and since 2018 he has been the lead producer and director of the film Rhino Man — a feature-length documentary about the South African field rangers who risk their lives to protect the rhinos from being poached to extinction. During the conversation, John fills us in on why rhinos need protection, who and how locals become Park Rangers, and how everyday people can help. He will also tell a story about a special Park Ranger, Anton, who dedicated, and gave, his life protecting these animals.

Rhino Man Movie  | Podcast | Anton Mzimba Education Trust | Global Conservation Corps | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Seth Mesoras. Seth is a Game Warden and the Information and Education Supervisor in the Southwest region for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A big portion of his job revolves around the Hunter-Trapper Education courses offered by the PGC. During the episode, Seth fills us in on how the HTE courses work, why and how hunters need to pass the certification course, and how HTE is funded. Also covered is how to become an HTE instructor, why more volunteers are needed, and some new initiatives from the PGC.

Find an upcoming in-person Hunter-Trapper course near you!

Take the online Hunter-Trapper course

In the last installment of our special Elk Expo 2022 podcasts, Jason talks with a variety of people that participated in Elk Expo festivities. Listen in to hear from KECA Volunteers and the Elk County Fair Court. We also hear from 2 of this year's winners: Elk Calling Champion, Jacob and Patch Photo Contest winner, Jodie.

A big thank you goes out to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance for putting on a great Elk Expo and providing a wonderful experience for vendors and visitors alike. With the help of many supporters, KECA was able to raise a tremendous amount of money for elk conservation in Pennsylvania.

In this special Elk Expo Episode, Jason talks with Rawley Cogan. Rawley is the President and CEO of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and can be easily identified by his signature cowboy hat. During the episode, Rawley lets us in on the mission of KECA, how the organization is working with the communities of Elk Country, and some of the work being done to help conserve elk in PA. He also gives us a glimpse of what's next for the organization.

In this special episode, Jason talks with Jeremy Banfield at Elk Expo 2022. Jeremy is the Elk Biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, where he has held that position since 2013. During the conversation, Jeremy fills us in on the current state of elk in PA, how tag allocations work, and where you can find elk in the PA Wilds. He also fills us in on how to be Elk Smart when interacting with these wild animals, his career goals for the elk herd, and some common misconceptions around how elk are managed.

Learn more about Elk

Watch the ElkCam

In this special episode, Jason is LIVE from the Elk Expo 2022. Listen in to hear from select vendors about what the Elk Expo has to offer. From live entertainment to food and from artistically made products to educational seminars, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

Elk Expo runs: Saturday, August 20th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm & Sunday, August 21st from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the KECA Visitors Center

Plan you trip to Elk Expo

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Josiah Jones, Russell Wheeler, and Brandi Hanes of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. During the episode, they fill us in on what the Elk Expo is, how it helps elk and KECA, and what is going to be going on at the Elk Expo. Talking points during the conversation include vendors, seminars, and the immersive experience for the entire family.

Plan your trip to Elk Expo

Join and Support the Keystone Elk Country Alliance

Listen to Episode 72: Conserving Pennsylvania Elk

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of the PA chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don has been a board member of the PA chapter of BHA for 5 years and became the Chairman in January 2022. During the episode, Don lets us in on the mission of BHA, national level issues of concern, and state level issues of concern. If you've heard of BHA, you know much of the conversation will focus on access and Sunday hunting in PA. Don also talks about BHA's position on redesignating the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area into a National Park.

Watch BHA CEO Land Tawney talk about conservation on CBS Saturday Morning

To learn more and join BHA, head to backcountryhunters.org

Follow BHA_PA on Instagram