The Ground Between Us

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Jason Herbert to explore the deeper meaning behind hunting, fishing, and life in the outdoors.

Jason shares his personal journey and reflects on the cultural and emotional significance of time spent in nature. From family traditions and regional identity to the role of hunters and fishermen in conservation and sustainability, the conversation offers a thoughtful look at how outdoor experiences shape who we are.

We also discuss the ethics of hunting, the importance of public lands, and the idea that the pursuit goes far beyond the harvest. It’s a conversation about connection—to the land, to wildlife, and to the people and traditions that define our relationship with the outdoors.

Subjects covered include:

• The cultural significance of hunting and fishing
• Ethical hunting and conservation practices
• The role of outdoorsmen as stewards of wildlife
• The importance of public lands and access
• Personal stories connecting family and nature
• The meaning behind the pursuit beyond the kill
• How the outdoors shapes identity and perspective

Connect with Jason:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herberthistory/

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In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Christa Clasgens, founder of Silver Hen Fly Co, to talk about her journey into fly fishing, guiding, and building a community for women in the outdoors.

Christa shares how she got started in fly fishing, what led her to guiding, and how her passion evolved into a business focused on education, connection, and empowerment. The conversation explores the role of public lands in Appalachia, practical tips for beginner fly anglers, and why many women find success in the sport through a focus on finesse and technique.

From learning the fundamentals of fly fishing to creating inclusive outdoor spaces, this episode highlights how passion can grow into something bigger—and how community plays a central role along the way.

Subjects covered include:

• Christa’s journey into fly fishing and guiding
• The growing role of women in outdoor sports
• The importance of public lands in Appalachia
• Fly fishing techniques and tips for beginners
• The value of finesse and patience in fly fishing
• Building a supportive outdoor community
• Turning passion into a purpose-driven business

To learn more, visit:
silverhenflyco.com

📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest?
[email protected]

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What does it actually take to master the outdoors? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Caudill, director of Nature Reliance School, to break down the real skills behind survival, tracking, hunting, and building a deeper connection with nature.Craig shares decades of experience teaching wilderness skills—from reading animal sign and navigating terrain to understanding conservation and the mindset required to thrive outside. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoorsman, or just someone looking to reconnect with the natural world, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.Subjects covered include:* Wilderness survival skills and bushcraft fundamentals* Tracking techniques and land navigation* Hunting as a skill-building discipline* Conservation and environmental stewardship* The mindset needed to thrive outdoors* Skills vs. gear vs. tactics in real-world scenarios* Why wild game is one of the most sustainable food sources----------------------------------------Check out Craig & Nature Reliance School:🌐 Website: https://www.naturereliance.org/📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/naturereliance📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/naturereliance▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/NatureReliance----------------------------------------Resources mentioned:* Nature Reliance School - https://www.naturereliance.org/ *The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life by Boyd Vardy - https://a.co/d/0bnC9TDs *Tough by Greg Everett - https://amzn.to/3O7Ac7o *The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - https://amzn.to/4mxAzoo *A Timbered Choir by Wenderll Berry - https://amzn.to/41zMKHD *How to Love a Forest by Ethan Tapper - https://amzn.to/4cc4A9J----------------------------------------Connect with TGBTU:📧 Guest inquiries: mailto:[email protected]📱 Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betweehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Madison Grimm to talk about her journey from a young wildlife artist to a hands-on conservationist working in waterfowl rehabilitation. Through a candid and engaging conversation, Madison shares how winning the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest at just six years old sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife—and how that passion evolved into real-world impact through art, advocacy, and rescue work.

Madison walks us through the early moments that shaped her path, including how her artwork became a gateway into conservation and public awareness. She also shares the story behind obtaining permits to legally salvage wild duck eggs, and the challenges of helping build a framework that allows this kind of work to exist within wildlife regulations.

The conversation explores the intersection of agriculture and conservation in the Midwest, emphasizing the critical role that farmers and private landowners play in protecting nesting habitats across the Prairie Pothole Region. Madison also highlights the importance of hunter involvement in conservation efforts and the shared responsibility of sustaining waterfowl populations.

Beyond policy and partnerships, Madison dives into the hands-on side of her work—explaining how she incubates, repairs, and raises wild ducklings while minimizing stress and avoiding imprinting. She also reflects on the ethical considerations of wildlife rehabilitation, the legislative progress she’s contributed to, and her long-term vision for expanding rescue programs and supporting population recovery.

Subjects covered include:

• Madison’s early start in wildlife art and winning the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest
• Transitioning from art into conservation and advocacy
• The process of legally rescuing and rehabilitating wild duck eggs
• Techniques for incubating, patching, and raising ducklings
• The role of farmers and private land in waterfowl conservation
• Why hunters are key partners in conservation efforts
• Legislative challenges and successes in wildlife rehabilitation
• Ethical considerations in rescuing and reintroducing wildlife
• Madison’s vision for the future of waterfowl conservation

Resources & Links:
🌐 Madison Grimm Art – madisongrimmart.com
🌐 Second Chance Flight – secondchanceflight.com
📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/p/Second-Chance-Flight-61575078125825/
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/secondchanceflight/
🎥 The Ground Between Us (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMbZsLiVjmbEohJ3yhDnqUg
📸 The Ground Between Us (Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/
🎵 The Ground Between Us (TikTok) – https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee

🎙️ Episode Description

Why do so many hunters lose deer, and how can you avoid it? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Sean Butler from Longspur Tracking to explore the evolving world of game recovery, tracking dogs, and modern hunting technology.

Sean explains how tracking dogs and drones are transforming the way hunters recover wounded game, while emphasizing that patience and proper technique remain the biggest factors in success. From understanding deer anatomy to reading sign in challenging conditions, this conversation is packed with practical insights for improving recovery rates.

We also discuss the ethics of hunting, the science behind how tracking dogs work, and the real-world challenges trackers face in the field, including weather, hunter errors, and wildlife management policies in West Virginia. Whether you are an experienced hunter or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons that could change how you think about tracking and recovering game.

• How tracking dogs and drones are used in game recovery
• The growing importance of tracking dogs in modern hunting
• Why patience is critical when tracking wounded deer
• How understanding deer anatomy improves recovery success
• The impact of weather conditions on tracking
• How dogs use scent and pheromones to track game
• Common mistakes hunters make during recovery
• Hunting ethics and responsible game recovery
• Wildlife management and legislation in West Virginia
• Why every hunter should have a tracker’s contact info

• Longspur Tracking App: longspur.app

Questions or guest inquiries: [email protected]

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🧠 Subjects Covered📍 Find a Tracker📩 Contact📱 Follow The Ground Between Us

Protecting West Virginia’s rivers and public lands has never been more important. In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we talk with Mike Jones from the West Virginia Rivers Coalition about the efforts to safeguard waterways and public lands across the state.

Mike walks us through the Wild and Scenic River designation process, explaining why these protections are so important for both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. We also discuss the current legislative landscape, how federal land management decisions impact local rivers and forests, and the environmental challenges posed by large infrastructure projects like data centers.

This conversation highlights the critical role of public participation in protecting West Virginia’s natural heritage. Mike shares practical ways citizens can get involved, from understanding policy decisions to advocating for stronger river and forest protections.

Whether you care about conservation, public lands, or the long-term health of Appalachia’s rivers and forests, this episode makes it clear why these places matter and how you can help ensure they remain protected for generations to come.

• The Wild and Scenic River designation process and its importance
• Current legislative threats to public land protections
• The role of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition in advocacy
• Environmental concerns related to data center development
• The Roadless Rule and federal forest protections
• Why public lands belong to all West Virginians
• How citizens can participate in Forest Service decisions
• Practical ways to advocate for river and forest conservation

• West Virginia Rivers Coalition: wvrivers.org
• Sign the Wild & Scenic Rivers petition: act.wvrivers.org/a/wild-and-scenic

Questions or guest inquiries: [email protected]

• Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537
• Instagram: instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, I sit down with Stan Temple to explore the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Aldo Leopold. Together, we dive into Leopold’s groundbreaking ideas about the land ethic, conservation, and ecosystem management, and discuss how his work continues to shape modern environmental ethics and wildlife stewardship.Stan shares stories from his own career in wildlife management, including the remarkable Mauritius Kestrel recovery program, reflections on falconry, and his experiences with public lands and nature. We also explore how A Sand County Almanac introduced generations of readers to the importance of treating the land as a community to which we belong, rather than a resource to dominate.This conversation is a deep dive into the principles that guide conservation today, and why Leopold’s philosophy of moral responsibility to the land remains essential for anyone invested in protecting our natural world.Subjects covered include:• Aldo Leopold’s life, influence, and conservation philosophy• The concept of the land ethic and its relevance today• Wildlife recovery and ecosystem management, including the Mauritius Kestrel program• Reflections on public lands, nature, and human responsibility• Lessons from A Sand County Almanac that continue to guide conservationSound bites from this episode:• “The land ethic is a moral responsibility”• “Wildness is the salvation of the world”• “We are one species in ecological communities”Resources mentioned in this episode:• Aldo Leopold Foundation – https://www.aldoleopold.org/• A Sand County Almanac – https://aldoleopold.org/products/a-sand-county-almanac OR https://amzn.to/4uoBomTGuest links:• Stan Temple – https://www.aldoleopold.org/people/stan-temple

n this first episode of The Ground Between Us, I introduce the podcast and the ideas that inspired it. I share my own journey in the outdoors and why hunting, conservation, and time spent on the land have become such an important part of my life.I break down the five pillars that guide the podcast—reverence, community, conservation, stewardship, and tradition—and explore why outdoor traditions still matter, how wildlife management and public lands shape the landscapes we love, and how spending time outside can foster connection and personal growth.Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, an aspiring conservationist, or just curious about our relationship with the natural world, this episode sets the stage for the conversations to come.Subjects covered include:• The five pillars: reverence, community, conservation, stewardship, and tradition• Outdoor traditions and their cultural significance• Public lands, wildlife management, and conservation• How ecology and human impact shape our experience outdoors• Building community and personal growth through natureResources mentioned:• A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold – https://amzn.to/4uoBomT• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – https://amzn.to/4uoBomT• Robin Hood – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee