The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

In this episode of Crossing the Line, Curtis sits down with Parker Willicome to break down what’s really happening at the grassroots level of Canada’s firearms community. Parker shares his journey from having little exposure to firearms to becoming deeply involved with the Cranbrook Rod & Gun Club: organizing events, supporting competitions, and advocating for the future of shooting sports. The conversation dives into the real-world impact of firearm policies on local clubs, membership decline, and why ranges are more than just places to shoot, they’re community hubs, training facilities, and a key part of Canada’s outdoor culture. This episode is about more than firearms, it’s about community, responsibility, and why getting involved matters now more than ever. https://cbkrgc.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's official: Erica Marchand is a Horrible Person. Jenn McDonald sits down with Erica, who shares her journey from outdoor enthusiast to founder of Bear and Fox and onward to another exciting adventure! Erica discusses her authentic approach to hunting, outdoor lifestyle branding, and the importance of tradition and community in hunting culture. She also explores the challenges of balancing family, business, and outdoor passions, offering insights into the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, hunting, regulations and legacy. Meet Erica: https://www.instagram.com/crittermarchand/ Meet Jenn: https://www.instagram.com/whyjennhunts/ Learn More About the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/horriblepeoplepodcast_/ Learn More About Wild Origins Canada: https://www.instagram.com/wildorigins_canada/ Horrible People Podcast chats with people who live life off the beaten path. From hunters and homesteaders to outdoor adventurers and self-reliant thinkers, guests share their stories, experiences, and unique lifestyles during relaxed, open-minded conversations. The podcast challenges stereotypes, uncovers the truth about unconventional ways of living, and explores who the people labeled as "horrible" truly are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark and Curtis Hall as they chat with Jenn McDonald from Why We Hunt about the surprising rewards of small game hunting. Discover how hunting squirrels can be an accessible and sustainable way to fill your freezer and create gourmet meals. Jen shares her journey into squirrel hunting, offering tips for beginners on gear, ethical practices, and cooking techniques. Learn about the fascinating behaviors of squirrels and how hunting them supports wildlife conservation. Perfect for aspiring hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, this episode provides practical advice and inspiring stories to help you connect with nature and embrace wild foods. Tune in to explore how small game hunting can become your next adventure, offering a fresh perspective on self-sufficiency and responsible hunting. Join our monthly supporters program You fuel the mission. We deliver the impact https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biologist Paul Jones from the Alberta Conservation Association joins Mark to explore the incredible migration of pronghorns across Alberta’s vast grasslands. Discover how these swift creatures navigate over 2,500 kilometers annually, overcoming obstacles like fences and highways. Learn about groundbreaking research on their migration patterns, survival strategies, and the innovative efforts to create safer wildlife corridors. This episode is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists eager to understand the future of prairie ecosystems and the role of science in conservation. Tune in for insights into the majestic pronghorn and the broader implications for biodiversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Crossing the Line, Curtis sits down with Nelson Augustine of Mountain Man Outdoors in Cranbrook, BC. They talk about the 40+ year history of the family-run business, what life behind the counter of a small-town outdoor store really looks like, and how hunters, sport shooters, and first-time firearms owners are navigating Canada’s changing firearms landscape. From the real process of buying a firearm in Canada to the financial and operational impact of recent bans and policy changes, this episode offers a practical, on-the-ground perspective from someone living it every day. If you want to understand how these policies affect not just gun owners, but local businesses and rural communities. Support the show! Wild Origins Canada Foundation Monthly Supporters: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join fourth-generation rancher Lauren Copithorne as she unveils the challenges of living alongside Alberta's booming grizzly bear population. Discover how these bears impact her cattle operation and the innovative ways she manages them. This episode delves into bear behavior, the risks to livestock, and the debate around hunting for population control. Lauren shares her insights on community-based management and the importance of involving landowners in decision-making. Perfect for conservationists, farmers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, this episode offers real-world insights into coexistence with Alberta's growing bear population. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark, Curtis and Dr. Ray Hilborn for this griping episode. Dr. Hilborn sets the record straight on the narrative of ocean depletion, revealing a nuanced and surprisingly positive outlook on marine ecosystems. Discover the truth behind fish farms, salmon stocks, and the socio-economic value of recreational fishing. This episode dives into the complex dance between science, policy, and public perception, offering hope through evidence-based insights and successful conservation stories. Perfect for anglers and conservationists, this conversation will reshape your understanding of ocean health and the real challenges we face. Don't miss this myth-busting journey into the resilience of marine life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Breann Billey to talk about her journey into firearms ownership — how it started, what surprised her, and how it’s shaped her confidence along the way. We get into first impressions, stepping onto the range for the first time, and the realities that don’t always match public perception. Breann shares what it’s like navigating the firearms community as a woman, the nerves that come with trying something new, and the unexpected personal growth that followed. We also touch on self-defense, personal safety, and why respectful conversation matters more than ever in a space that often feels divided. This isn’t a debate. It’s a story about confidence, responsibility, and what can happen when someone decides to step outside their assumptions and try something for themselves. If you’ve ever been curious about what draws ordinary people into shooting sports — or why women are increasingly part of that conversation — this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the intricate world of migratory waterfowl regulations in Canada. This episode uncovers the international treaties and policies shaping hunting seasons, with insights from Jim Fisher, Vice President of Canadian Policy for Delta Waterfowl. Learn how decisions are made at the highest levels, affecting everything from dove and crane seasons to swan harvests. Explore the science behind population thresholds, shared harvest allocations between the U.S. and Canada, and the political landscape influencing these regulations. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or wildlife enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how international cooperation and science-driven policies ensure sustainable management of our shared wetlands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode explores the journey of introducing children to hunting from a family perspective, discussing the importance of teaching kids about nature, responsibility, and the ethics of hunting. The conversation highlights the balance between outdoor activities and technology, the significance of making hunting fun, and the role of community and conservation in shaping young hunters. Jennifer and Zach Fraser are outfitters in Alberta, and they share their experiences and insights on navigating social perceptions of hunting and the potential for educational programs in schools to foster a deeper understanding of where food comes from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark and Doug discuss the current state of the fur industry, highlighting a wave of optimism driven by increased demand for sables and positive trends in Russian auctions. They delve into the importance of advocacy through events like Fur Day on the Hill, emphasizing the need for trappers to build strong community relations to mitigate conflicts with pet owners. Recent incidents involving pets and traps are examined, along with the legislative challenges posed by proposed fur bans in Colorado and Oregon. The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming trapping association AGMs as opportunities for engagement and education within the trapping community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firearms are one of those subjects where opinions often form long before understanding does. For many Canadians, guns don’t play a role in everyday life. They appear briefly in headlines, political debates, or moments of crisis, and then disappear again. When that happens, it’s easy for assumptions to settle in without ever being examined. This episode takes a step back from conclusions and asks a simpler question: How do we arrive at our views on firearms in the first place? Rather than debating policy or trying to persuade, this conversation explores how familiarity, distance, fear, and lived experience shape what people believe, and why those beliefs can feel complete even when they’re built from the outside. It’s not about convincing anyone to change their mind. It’s about understanding how minds change at all. Whether you’ve never handled a firearm, grew up around them, or sit somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider what actually informs your opinions, before the next moment demands a reaction. If you’d like to continue the conversation or share your thoughts, you can reach me on Instagram at @curtishall_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Accurate wildlife counts shape everything from conservation strategies to sustainable hunting regulations. But what happens when aerial survey numbers don’t match what people see on the ground? In this episode, host Mark Hall digs into the messy, fascinating world of wildlife inventory methods and the growing push to modernize them. Featuring insights from Dan Melody of Owyhee Air Research and Scott Ellis of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC, the conversation explores why traditional helicopter surveys fall short, how new imaging technologies are changing the game, and why local knowledge remains an untapped powerhouse in wildlife management. Join the Wild Origins Canada monthly supporter program https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Owhyee Air Research https://www.owyheeair.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crossing the Line is a Canadian podcast about firearms, people, and policy. This introductory episode explains why the show exists and what it aims to do differently. Crossing the Line isn’t about telling you what to think, pushing politics, or debating headlines. It’s about slowing the conversation down and examining how firearms ownership actually works in Canada—beyond assumptions, fear, and surface-level arguments. The show explores what it means to cross the line from non–gun owner to owner, when government policy crosses a line for responsible Canadians, and why public understanding matters when laws affect millions of people. You don’t have to own a firearm or agree with everything discussed. The goal is clarity, context, and a more grounded conversation—focused on reality rather than rhetoric. This episode sets the foundation for everything that follows. Please reach out to my Instagram handle @curtishall_ with questions or comments or ideas that could be brought up on future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices