Episode 27 - Protecting Maine’s Hunting Heritage With Year-Round Mentorship and Advocacy

A powerful look at how real hunters fight for access, protect tradition, and mentor the next generation.

Joining Kenia this week is Jared Bornstein, a Maine lobbyist, dedicated outdoorsman, and the force behind programs that get more kids into the woods and on the water. 

Jared breaks down how youth hunting mentorship, moose hunting access, and his year-round program Moose Maine Kids are helping kids and families step into the outdoors, many for the first time. You’ll hear how his personal journey into deer hunting as a teenager shaped his belief that no kid should be told “no” when they want to head into the woods, whether they're chasing whitetails, calling spring turkeys, or dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime moose hunt.

We also dig into the political side of conservation, why it takes bipartisan work, why the right language matters, and how Maine’s ongoing fight for a constitutional right to hunt and fish could set the tone for other states. Travis Thompson returns to share how Florida’s experience informs Maine’s strategy, and why every hunter, angler, and aspiring outdoorsman should pay attention.

Whether you care about waterfowl hunting access, fair chase laws, or protecting traditional fishing opportunities from fly-fishing-only restrictions, this is a rare insider look at how real conservation work gets done.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

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Check out Jared Bornstein’s work: https://lobbymaine.com

Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife

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