Durrell Smith hosted a special episode recapping his recent, highly memorable trip to the Minnesota Boundary Waters, joined by guests Land Tawney (co-chair of American Hunters and Anglers), Katie McKalip (conservation communications expert), Lukas Leaf (Executive Director of Sportsman for the Boundary Waters, who also served as camp chef), and Matt Schultz (Program Manager at SBW). Durrell described the wilderness as one of the most memorable times of his hunting career, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience wilderness that felt like being in a "theme park... just for nature" and fulfilled a childhood sense of adventure. The trip yielded a true "cast and blast" mixed bag, during which Durrell harvested his first rough grouse in Minnesota, caught smallmouth bass, and foraged for mushrooms. Central to the conversation was the advocacy needed to protect the Boundary Waters—a unique and irreplaceable landscape that is an "objective good" for all Americans—from the threat of the Twin Metals nonferrous copper-nickel mine planned upstream from the watershed. Guests confirmed that organizations are in "defense mode" against potential attempts to overturn the 20-year mineral moratorium issued by the Biden administration in January 2023, urging listeners to raise awareness and call elected officials to secure permanent protection for the watershed. Durrell concluded by announcing he is developing related content, including a video recap on the American Soul, American Soul YouTube channel, writing, and artwork, while also promoting new products and upcoming events, such as an Atlanta photography exhibition on November 1st.

The episode features host Durrell Smith and four guests who joined the trip to advocate for the Minnesota Boundary Waters wilderness: Land Tawney (introduced in the source as Lan Tommy Tony and Lan Tony), the co-chair of American Hunters and Anglers, and Katie McKalip (introduced in the source as Katie Maleb), who works in conservation communications dedicated to elevating stories about opportunities and cherished places held dear by outdoors people. They are joined by the team from Sportsman for the Boundary Waters (SBW): Executive Director Lukas Leaf (introduced in the source as Lucas Leap), who also utilized his past experience as a professional chef to serve as the camp chef for the group, and Program Manager Matt Schultz (introduced in the source as Matthew Schultz), who lives near Ely, Minnesota, close to the Boundary Waters and whose wirehaired pointing griffon, Salmon, helped Durrell get his first grouse in Minnesota.

(draft)

Full Episode coming soon

The Sporting Life Notebook Podcast: Wingshooting in Watercolor & Backcountry Insights

Welcome back to The Sporting Life Notebook Podcast! Durrell Smith, is here with an exciting and insightful episode, recorded live, to share updates, personal stories, and deep dives into the sporting life. This episode features the "Wingshooting in Watercolor" presentation given at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) Rendevous in Missoula, MT.

Sponsored by Beretta USA & Beretta Gallery This podcast is proudly brought to you by Beretta USA and Beretta Gallery. Make sure to visit berettagalleryusa.com to explore their range of products, including premier firearms and shotguns. You can get discounts on many items right now, and don't forget to use promo code TSLN for special savings!

In This Episode:

• The Backcountry in Your Backyard Event at Orvis Sandanona Durrell recounts the recent Backcountry in Your Backyard event, a partnership between Minority Outdoor Alliance and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). The event, held at Orvis Sandanona in Millbrook, New York, offered a unique opportunity for a smaller group of participants (five this year!) to experience clay shooting and fly fishing for free, with transportation facilitated from Penn Station. The goal of these events is to provide access to the outdoors for black and brown people and those who haven't had the opportunity, connecting them with conservation and outdoor sports. Hear about the fantastic experience of participants breaking clays and even catching fish, and the joy of seeing new outdoor enthusiasts light up. Plans are already in motion to return to Sandanona next year.
• Deep Dive: The Beretta 687 EL Diamond Pigeon 410 Get an exclusive look and hear about 's personal experience with his favorite Beretta shotgun, the 687 EL Diamond Pigeon in 410 gauge. Discover why this handmade firearm, with its stunning hand-etched engraving of pheasants, woodcock, and grouse, is a dream piece. Learn about the unique "break-in" process for a handmade gun and how it finally became "like butter" after two and a half seasons of use. emphasizes the importance of using such high-quality pieces in the field to create a lasting legacy. This 28-inch barrel beauty is available at berettagalleryusa.com for $9,429, and remember to use the TSLN promo code for 10% off!
• The Power of Storytelling: A Bird Dog Will Make You Cry shares the impactful story he delivered at the BHA Rendevous, a tale he never got to tell his late mentor, Neil Carter Jr.. This deeply personal narrative recounts a moment at a Minority Outdoor Alliance "learn to hunt" event in Alabama where a participant, Renee, overcame significant personal trauma related to firearms through the therapeutic experience of bird hunting with 's dogs, Jug and Joker. Discover how the bird dog's work transcended the hunt itself, highlighting the internal and healing aspects of connecting with nature.
• Art, Creativity, and the Future of the Outdoors Building on the "Wingshooting in Watercolor" presentation, discusses the crucial role of art and authentic creativity in documenting and sharing outdoor experiences. He challenges the limitations of digital content and AI in conveying the true essence of hunting and conservation. Learn how his artwork bridges cultural divides and connects communities, from city dwellers to international chucker hunters in the Himalayas. The conversation emphasizes that unique, human-made art is vital for attracting new, diverse audiences and preserving the tactile, real experience of the outdoors for future generations.

New Sporting Life Notebook Offerings is excited to announce new products crafted with his own hands and artistic vision, soon available on the thesportinglifenotebook.com web store:

• Coffee Collaboration: A custom "sporting life roast" created in partnership with Grassroots Coffee Roasters in Thomasville, Georgia, featuring unique bag artwork designed by .
• English Setter Keychains: From 2D drawings to 3D reality, these all-gold English setter keychains are a fun, unique offering.
• Limited Edition Sculptures: Large, hand-leafed gold English setter sculptures, serving as fine art pieces for the upcoming American Soil, American Soul exhibition.
• Handmade Dog Collars: The first prototypes of 100% genuine cowhide leather dog collars, hand-cut and hand-stitched by himself, will be available soon.

Upcoming Events & Announcements:

• Minority Outdoor Alliance: Union Perfectors for Conservation Join the Minority Outdoor Alliance for a day of exploration and discovery! This service-oriented event will connect the community with Pennsylvania state agencies. There will be hands-on demonstrations, opportunities to meet wildlife experts, and activities like bird watching for the whole family.
  • Date: August 2nd
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania
  • Register here: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/231822
• American Soil, American Soul 3rd Exhibition Mark your calendars for the third visual arts show, potentially featuring a musical performance, from American Soil, American Soul!
  • Date: October 8th
  • Time: Evening show, around 6:00ish
  • Location: Norton and Hodges store in Charleston, South Carolina
• Minority Outdoor Alliance Membership Keep an eye out for details on how to become a member of the Minority Outdoor Alliance as they prepare to open up membership options soon, aiming to expand their national reach.

Connect with The Sporting Life Notebook:

• Visit the Official Store: thesportinglifenotebook.com
• Shop Beretta: berettagalleryusa.com (use code TSLN)
• Learn More About Minority Outdoor Alliance: minorityoutdooralliance.org
• Subscribe on YouTube: American Soil, American Soul for comprehensive content from sporting life to art and music
• Sign Up for the Newsletter: thesportinglifenotebook.com
• Follow on Social Media:
  • YouTube: American Soil, American Soul
  • Instagram: American Soil, American Soul, The Sporting Life Notebook, Minority Outdoor Alliance
  • TikTok: (Follow once the host is out of "TikTok jail" for talking about firearms!)
• Support Public Lands: Join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA)

Thank you for tuning in and supporting the podcast. Your engagement inspires the work we do. Share these channels with friends and keep supporting the genuine and inspired work of The Sporting Life Notebook!

Episode Description:

Quote of the Episode:

"I hope to leave you better than we found you in the space when you go back out to the world, whether that be with knowledge or just some peace." - Ashley White

Join host Durrell Smith as he returns to the mic with exciting updates, a recap of his experiences at the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Rendevous, and a deep dive into upcoming events for Minority Outdoor Alliance and American Soil, American Soul. This episode also features a captivating conversation with fly fishing guide Ashley White, who shares his unique journey into upland hunting, discussing generational knowledge, the nuances of training his German Wirehair Pointer, Cubby, and the invaluable role of mentorship and community in the outdoor world. Durrell and Ashley also explore the importance of safety and access in the outdoors and the exciting potential of "cast and blast" experiences.

Key Topics & Highlights:

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Welcome and Host Updates

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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Rendevous Recap

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California Guiding Hunts: He discusses his upcoming role guiding hunts in Southern California for valley quail, dove, pigs, and chucker.

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Wing Shooting in Watercolor Workshop: Durrell led a well-attended workshop focused on art and storytelling in the outdoors.

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Storytelling at BHA Awards: Upcoming Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) Events

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July 12th - New York City: MOA, in partnership with BHA and Orvis Sandanona, will host an "Explore Hunting" event with activities including clay shooting, conservation education, hunting introductions, and fly fishing. Registration details are available on minorityoutdooralliance.org and social media.

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Union Perfectors for Conservation (UPCO): Led by Durrell's wife, these upcoming events (two in Pennsylvania, one in Boston, one in Atlanta) involve focus groups and listening sessions to bridge state agencies and diverse communities in conservation efforts. Dates will be finalized soon.

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American Soil, American Soul third annual traveling art exhibition will be held on October 8th in Charleston, South Carolina, at Norton and Hodges.

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Durrell proudly highlights "Closed Seasons" by Dr. Julia Brock

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Sponsor Shout-out: Beretta USA & Beretta Gallery

Listeners can receive a 10% discount on purchases at berettagalleryusa.com using the promo code "TSLN".

Guest Conversation: Ashley White

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Introduction

Journey into Upland Hunting

Late Onset" Hunters & Generational Knowledge

Ashley introduces his German Wirehair Pointer

Mentorship & Training

Wild Birds vs. Preserves

Safety & Access in the Outdoors

Cast and Blast" Future

Final Wisdom

Connect with:

The Sporting Life Notebook:

Subscribe & Follow: All podcast platforms

Website: thesportinglifenotebook.com

Instagram & TikTok: @thesportinglifenotebook

Newsletter: Subscribe on the website for monthly updates

Ebook: "Sketches of the Sporting Life: A Hunter's Conservation Journey" available on the website shop

Minority Outdoor Alliance:

Website: minorityoutdooralliance.org

Instagram: @minorityoutdooralliance

Support: Engage with events and consider donations

American Soil, American Soul:

Website: americansoilamericansoul.com

Exhibition: October 8th in Charleston, SC at Norton and Hodges10

Support Our Partners:

•

Beretta USA & Beretta Gallery: Use promo code TSLN for 10% off your entire purchase at berettagalleryusa.com

This podcast episode of "The Sporting Life Notebook" features host Derell Smith in conversation with Joel Peterson, the president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). The discussion covers Peterson's background and his role at TRCP, the historical significance and current work of the organization in conservation policy, and the importance of collaboration, particularly with groups like the Minority Outdoor Alliance. Smith and Peterson emphasize the need for a unified voice in advocating for conservation and access to public lands for hunting and fishing. Additionally, the episode touches on upcoming initiatives, the value of sportsmen's engagement in policy, and the personal connection to the sporting life.

Main Themes:

1. Partnership and Collaboration for Conservation: The central theme revolves around the vital partnership between the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA), highlighting its significance for both organizations and the broader community of sportsmen and conservationists. The episode emphasizes the power of a unified voice in advocating for conservation policies.
2. The Mission and Evolution of TRCP: Joel Peterson outlines TRCP's core mission of guaranteeing all Americans quality places to hunt and fish by unifying and amplifying the sportsman's voice. He also discusses the organization's history, its policy centers, and its strategic direction for the future, emphasizing its nonpartisan approach and its commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of conservation.
3. Importance of Broadening Engagement in Conservation: Both Smith and Peterson stress the need to broaden participation in conservation beyond traditional demographics. They discuss the importance of engaging minority communities and younger generations, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in the outdoor and conservation sectors.
4. Current Conservation Policy Initiatives and Challenges: Peterson provides an overview of key policy initiatives TRCP is currently working on at the federal level, including access (MAP Waters, MAP Oceans), public lands protection (Public Lands and Public Hands Act, Habitat Connectivity on Western Lands Act), the Farm Bill, and safeguarding special places like Bristol Bay and the Brooks Range. He also touches upon the challenges of a shifting political landscape and the need for persistence in achieving legislative goals.
5. The Personal Connection to the Sporting Life and Conservation: Both hosts share their personal journeys into the outdoors and conservation, emphasizing the intrinsic value of these activities and the responsibility to protect these opportunities for future generations. Peterson highlights how his time in the field grounds his work in policy and advocacy.
6. Call to Action and Engagement: The episode concludes with a strong call to action for listeners to get involved in conservation efforts through various means, including supporting organizations like TRCP and MOA, contacting their representatives, staying informed about policy issues, and recognizing their role in contributing to conservation through their sporting activities.