In this thought-provoking episode of The Lost Rider Podcast, host Herman Brune welcomes renowned conservationist Shane Mahoney, a leading authority on the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Together, they explore the history, structure, and lasting importance of the model that underpins modern wildlife management in the United States and Canada.

Mahoney explains how the model, though rooted in early 20th-century conservation movements led by figures like Theodore Roosevelt, was not formally named until the mid-1990s. He shares how its seven foundational principles came to define the relationship between sustainable use, regulated hunting, and the broader conservation community.

Brune and Mahoney also discuss the misconceptions surrounding when the model originated, emphasizing that while the concepts have existed for generations, the terminology and unified philosophy emerged much later to defend conservation systems under threat. Their conversation sheds light on how agencies, non-profits, and hunters all play essential roles within this interconnected system.

Throughout, Herman highlights his advocacy for including the model in education, arguing that naming and teaching it helps the public grasp its complexity and significance. Mahoney agrees, stressing that awareness of the model is key to maintaining conservation integrity in North America.