Through the Gates

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Jessica Whitaker, a young female hunter who proves that you don’t have to be “born into it” to make an impact. From her first hunts to becoming an outspoken advocate at rallies, banquets, and wildlife commission meetings, Jessica’s journey shows how new hunters—especially women—are reshaping the future of conservation.

Jessica shares candidly about the hurdles she faced starting out, the misconceptions fueled by social media, and why it’s critical for more women and young people to step into the outdoors. Her story is about self-sufficiency, community, and protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation against ballot-box biology and animal rights extremism.

If you’re curious about hunting, conservation, or simply overcoming barriers to entry, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step.

👉 Learn more and join the movement at SaveTheHuntColorado.com

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In this hard-hitting episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down his ongoing efforts to continue to Save the Hunt. The relentless political battles shaping Colorado’s future, from ballot-box biology to rewilding agendas, Gates exposes the intent of animal rights extremists and their full fledged assualt on wildilfe management at the legislature, CPW Commission and appointments are setting the stage for the Polis administration to dismantle, not only our way of life, but responsible wildlife management.

We dive into the ongoing tug-of-war over wildlife management, the clash between urban activists and rural voices, and the stakes for hunters, anglers, and every Coloradan who values responsible conservation. Along the way, Gates explains where he has been fighting to preserve the North American Model - Commission meetings, multiple working groups, the legislature and of course more ballot box biology.

If you care about the future of science-based wildlife management, the survival of Colorado’s outdoor heritage, and the fight against powerful interest groups pushing censorship and control, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

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In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates introduces CRWM contributor Adam Welborn to relive an unforgettable sheep and caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories—a true dream hunt made possible by years of planning, research, and sacrifice.

But this episode is more than just hunting stories. Adam sits down with Outfitter Clay Lancaster to discuss conservation, wildlife management, and the global fight against animal rights extremism. From Canada’s battles over predator management and gun restrictions to Colorado’s fight against ballot-box biology, this conversation highlights the urgent need to defend science-based wildlife management worldwide.

Featuring stories from the field, reflections on the North American Model of Conservation, and insight from outfitter Clay Lancaster, this is a must-listen for hunters, conservationists, and anyone who cares about the future of wildlife.

#DreamHunt #WildlifeManagement #ThroughTheGatesPodcast #Conservation #SaveTheHunt

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In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with Loren Shragg of Good Bull Outdoors/Good Bull Guided to dig into wildlife photography, education about wildlife management and internet censorship. From behind-the-scenes stories of photographing elk, moose, and deer in Rocky Mountain National Park to the political chaos of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction, this episode pulls no punches.

Loren exposes the hidden side of the fight: how animal rights groups use propaganda, how ballot initiatives threaten the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and how the biggest internet platforms are censoring hunting-related content to silence sportsmen and limit conservation voices online.

We also dive into:
- The challenges of guiding and photographing wildlife.
- Why social media algorithms amplify activism but suppress hunting.
- The clash between animal welfare vs. animal rights.
- How hunters and conservationists can organize a “standing army” to push back.

This isn’t just about hunting—it’s about the future of Colorado’s wildlife, rural communities, and outdoor heritage.

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In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Veronica Yovovich, Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist with CSU Extension, to tackle one of the most pressing issues in Colorado today: the impacts of wolf reintroduction by ballot box biology.

From working directly with livestock producers to navigating the fallout of Proposition 114, Veronica shares insight into the challenges ranchers face, the uncertainty surrounding wolf management, and how science-based solutions can help bridge divides between rural communities, policymakers, and the public.

We discuss:

The realities of human-wildlife conflict across the West

Colorado’s unique, voter-driven wolf reintroduction process

How ranchers are adapting and showing resilience

Tools, programs, and resources available to prepare for wolf conflicts

The importance of communication between agencies, experts, and communities

This is a must-listen for anyone concerned about wildlife management, rural Colorado, and the political consequences of ballot-box biology.

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In Episode 56 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Patt Dorsey, former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leader and current Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). With decades of experience at the intersection of wildlife biology, policy, and public engagement, Patt shares valuable insight into the challenges of managing Colorado’s wildlife amid political and social pressures.

This conversation covers everything from the role of ballot-box biology and public perception in conservation, to the importance of expert-driven management in balancing the needs of wildlife, hunters, and non-consumptive users alike. Patt also discusses her career journey from CPW to NWTF, what she’s learned along the way, and why she believes collaboration and trust in science are more important than ever for the future of conservation.

If you’re interested in Colorado politics, wildlife management, and the growing tensions between science and advocacy, this episode provides both a candid perspective and a hopeful call to action.

👉 Subscribe to Through the Gates for more unfiltered conversations about conservation, politics, and protecting the future of our outdoor heritage.

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🔗 Brought to you by Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management
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In Episode 55 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Teller County Sheriff and CO Governor Candidate Jason Mikesell to break down the political forces shaping Colorado’s future. This conversation digs into the reality of ballot-box biology, rural vs. urban divides, and the growing influence of Denver politics on communities across the state.

We explore how decisions at the Capitol and by appointed commissions are impacting ranchers, landowners, and everyday Coloradans — often with little transparency or accountability. Beyond wildlife policy, the discussion dives into Colorado’s broader political issues: rising crime, ongoing debates over immigration, the state’s failing infrastructure and roads, and how these challenges are compounded by top-down policies that don’t reflect rural realities. From the wolf reintroduction controversy to the spread of anti-consumptive initiatives, this episode highlights why Colorado’s political landscape is shifting and why citizens must stay engaged.

If you care about Colorado politics, rural representation, and the future of our state’s decision-making process, this episode is for you.

https://www.mikesell4gov.com/
@MikesellforGovernor

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In Episode 54 of Through the Gates, we dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Colorado’s outfitters and guides. From navigating shifting wildlife policies to ensuring fair access for hunters and landowners, this conversation highlights the critical role outfitters play in both conservation and Colorado’s outdoor economy.

Guests break down how ballot-box biology, shifting regulations, and public pressure are impacting the future of outfitting. They share firsthand experiences about running hunts, working with landowners, and keeping Colorado’s hunting traditions alive in the face of increasing scrutiny.

This is a must-listen for hunters, guides, and anyone passionate about the future of wildlife management in Colorado and beyond.

https://coloradooutfitters.org/

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In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates speaks with John Aliss of United Houndsmen of Colorado and Austin Parr of Discount Fishing Tackle about the latest challenges facing hunters, anglers, and conservationists at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

From debates on live bait bans, fur-bearing animals, and beaver management groups, to broader issues like rewilding, eminent domain, and anti-hunting initiatives, this conversation sheds light on the growing threats to science-based wildlife management.

Both guests share their firsthand experiences at commission meetings, the importance of showing up, and why Colorado sportsmen and women must stay engaged in defending the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

 @UnitedHoundsmen  
https://www.discountfishingdenver.com

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After a short update about wolf legislation, beaver and fur bearer working groups and the continued undermining efforts of the anti-hunters we jump back to the 2025 Outdoorsman Days event where Dan had the opportunity to sit downed with Fred Eichler and Ralph Cianciarulo.

Fred Eichler highlights the importance of passing down traditions, building community, and ensuring that wildlife management stays rooted in science—not politics.  @fredeichler

Ralph joins the conversation with passion and urgency, stressing the rural–urban divide in understanding hunting and trapping. He explains how ballot-box biology and emotional activism threaten Colorado’s future, and why events like Outdoorsman Days give sportsmen and women a platform to educate, connect, and push back against misinformation.  @The_Choice_TV

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