Your Mountain

The guys are glad 2020 is over, and are excited to continue delivering great content in 2021. In this episode, Dave tells a recent elk hunting story, Nephi provides cold weather firearm advice (and starts conspiracy theories), Mike asks for Nephi's Parler handle, the guys tease some of the topics they will cover in 2021 and then solicit listener ideas. Listen then weigh in!

In Part II of our conversation with District of Conservation podcast host, Gabriella Hoffman, the guys continue to talk conservation policy. They discuss the overcrowding, accessibility, affordability, and importance of National Parks. They also discuss Gabriella's experience harvesting her first whitetail deer, her mountain, and more. Tune in and spread the word!

Gabriella Hoffman-media strategist, consultant, writer, and host of the District of Conservation podcast joins the guys to talk conservation policy/politics. They discuss: administration transitions; predicting a new Secretary of Interior; Trump v Biden - who is better for hunters/anglers; consequences of halting oil and gas leasing off shore and onshore; firearm policies in a new administration; and so much more that it takes a second episode to cover.

While everyone is recovering from their tryptophan hangovers, the guys are providing entertaining breakdowns of more conservation policies. They discuss: the Army Corps of Engineers denying the permit for Pebble Mine; reintroduction of wolves in Colorado; Utah's Constitutional Amendment to protect hunting and fishing; local, county, and state land conservation ballot initiatives; corner crossing; and more. Warm up some leftovers, pour a cup of egg nog, and check it out!

The guys dive deep into the 2020 Election and analyze what it means for sportsmen and women. They discuss the Congressional Review Act, a controversial new LWCF Secretarial Order, executive branch transition, political calculus of cabinet appointments, last minute executive orders, opportunities in a new Congress, what to expect from the Biden administration, why flyover states matter, a call for listener questions, and more.

Interest is growing in conserving 30% of the world's land and water by 2030. Dave and Nephi explore 30x30, including its origins, pitfalls, and opportunities. They only scratch the surface, but you'll see why it's complicated. But before that, you'll have to endure some of their 2020 elk, pronghorn, and mule deer hunting stories.

You may have heard the recent news of Congress recently passing America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, and how that's good for hunters/anglers. If you are wondering what the ACE Act does, this podcast is for you. Dave and Nephi break down the ACE Act to highlight everything it does for wildlife and wildlife habitat. Check it out, then thank your Senator for supporting it!

Nephi shares stories from a recent waterfowl hunt in Nebraska, and Dave shares the origins of his waders. Then the guys explore a brief history of waterfowl and wetland issues in the United States, the Constitutional limits of the Clean Water Act, and the importance of states and private enterprise in protecting wetlands.

Massive fires are burning across the western United States. Politicians are casting blame, and conspiracy theories are flooding the internet. In this episode, the guys take on the topic of forest management. They discuss the history of US management, different factors that are contributing to today's fires, and some (very general) suggestions to tackle the problem in the near and long-term. Also, hear their take on the decision that removed William Perry Pendley from the helm of BLM.

On September 22, 2020, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on the "Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020." The bill isn't going anywhere in this Congress, but as the guys discuss, some of the ideas it contains might warrant discussion. They'll take you through the multi-year effort that led to the bill, generally explain the provisions, and debunk the hyperbolic talking points from both sides of the isle.

Gunwerks CEO, Aaron Davidson, joins the guys to talk hunting ethics. They discuss: the mountain goat cull in Grand Teton National Park; the history of Gunwerks; ethics of new technology in hunting; long-range hunting; how to become a better shooter; Aaron's African hunts; Aaron's mountain; and more! Listen, subscribe, and share!

Survivalist, author, hunter, and all around rock star Laura Zerra joins the guys for a wide-ranging discussion that will leave you wanting more. Topics covered include: why Laura became a survivalist; reality tv; eating roadkill; eating tarantulas, coyotes, and prairie dogs; shed hunting; the right to hunt and fish; being a minimalist; gear that matters; making shelters; knife making; things that scare Laura; her upcoming book; Laura's mountain, and so much more. Check it out!

Big things happened this week across the country, and you should know about them. The guys discuss a 9th Circuit case involving California's high capacity magazine ban; the withdrawn appointment of William Perry Pendley to lead BLM; a case out of New York interpreting take prohibitions of Migratory Bird Treaty Act; and the administration's oil and gas leasing plan for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Lots to wonk out on in this episode!

After a two week hiatus, Dave and Nephi are back for the GOAT episode--mountain goats that is. They discuss the proposed mountain goat cull in Grand Teton National Park; the change at the top of the National Park Service; a new definition of "habitat" from the US Fish and Wildlife Service; National Shooting Sports month; Dave's close encounter with mountain goats; Nephi's participation in a 3-gun tournament; and more.

Ben Paige of Sovereign Sportsmen Solutions and the Fowl Front Waterfowl Podcast join the guys to talk all things waterfowl hunting. They discuss: barriers to entry; paper mached decoys; getting involved in season setting; splash limits; finding public water/land opportunities; noncontributory users; hunting during COVID; worst thing Ben's done to other hunters on public land; Ben's Mountain, hot tips; and more.

The guys give an update on the case involving delisting grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They also break down the major federal laws governing waterfowl management in the United States. Learn about Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Duck Stamp Act, how season setting works, and more!

For episode 100, the guys are joined by their former boss, the 32nd Governor of Wyoming, Governor Matthew H. Mead. They cover his many natural resource accomplishments--topics like wolves, sage grouse, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, outdoor recreation, and the Endangered Species Act. They also discuss how politics should work, the importance of collaboration, the Bull Moose party, the Governor's mountain, and more. This is a special episode--check it out!

They guys provide updates on William Perry Pendley's tenure overseeing the Bureau of Land Management; the status of the Herrera case that is defining the extent of Tribal hunting rights under an 1868 Treaty; and the recent decision by the Trump administration to defer to the Alaska Department of Game and Fish for managing wildlife on National Preserves. Mix in a natural disaster damaging Dave and Mike's homes mid recording, and you have the makings of a wonky and entertaining episode.

Dave and Nephi highlight several lawsuits that are using grizzly bears to end other practices on public lands, and explain how groups can use the Endangered Species Act to advance other objectives like ending hunting and grazing. Other topics include: auditions to replace Mike; the Great American Outdoors Act; how to best talk to our elected officials; how the hunting license draw is like the NFL draft; real time licence draw results in Wyoming; and more. Tune in!

You've probably seen reference to the Great American Outdoors Act on the news and Social Media and how it's likely becoming law, but may be fuzzy on the details. Dave and Nephi discuss the bill and what it would do for National Parks and other federal public lands. They also work through many of the criticisms and accolades of the bill so that you can make an informed decision. Check out this episode, and share it with all of your outdoor loving friends.

Jana Waller joins the guys to discuss what she's been up to since the last time she was on the podcast. She describes the transition from her show Skull Bound to her new show Skull Bound Chronicles. Other topics include: the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, hunting fossils and cultural resources in Utah (and the importance of leaving what you find), old school hunting gear, hunters as ambassadors to non-hunters, and so much more! You don't want to miss this one!

This episode has a bit of everything. The guys provide an update on grizzly bear delisting, pontificate on the Endangered Species Act, outline a new lawsuit challenging temporary agency appointments, and highlight the National Environmental Policy Act process. Then, they provide a 30,000 ft. break down a pack llama controversy in Alaska's Chugach National Forest, and briefly discuss wild sheep/domestic animal conflict. There's a lot to unpack in this meandering conversation.

Jim Kinsey and Brandon Nelson are Co-hosts of the upcoming show "AdVANture Hunter", airing on the Sportsman Channel in Jan. 2021. They joined the guys to talk about criss-crossing the country in search of adventure while living in a kitted out Mercedes Sprinter Van. From spearfishing and elk hunting to dinosaur digs and sustainable living, Jim and Brandon give listeners a sneak peak at what is sure to be a the AdVANture of a lifetime! Check it out!

Just because the economy is shut down and people are hunkered at home doesn't mean federal and state agencies are shut down as well. They are still making important decisions involving your land, water, and wildlife resources. The Your Mountain crew discuss 5 recent decisions that you may have missed. They also share what they are looking forward to doing first once the pandemic ends; Dave is speechless upon learning of Nephi's affinity for bro country; and Mike reveals more than ever before.

Marcia Brownelee, joins the guys to discuss the National Wildlife Federation's Artemis Sportswomen program. She shares her story about finding hunting as an adult; her most memorable hunt; continuing to learn as a hunter; and how she wound up working in conservation. Other topics include: the history and purpose of the Artemis program; limitations for women becoming hunters; how to become a hunter; training advocates; how to get involved in Artemis; the Artemis podcast; Marcia's Mountain; and more.

Mule Deer Foundation President and CEO, Miles Moretti joins Dave and Nephi to deliver a master class on oration and story telling. Topics include: Miles's memorable career experiences; being an effective advocate; shed hunting; long memories; selling animal location data; MDF habitat projects and partnerships; maintaining hunter support from wildlife agencies; Miles's Mountain; and so much more. This is the fastest hour and forty eight minutes to which you'll ever listen!

Many conservation organizations rely heavily on the revenue generated from banquets to fund their work. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many of these groups to cancel these critical fundraising events. They guys discuss: (1) the importance of donating to your favorite organization right now; (2) parts of the recent Congressional stimulus package meant to help these groups and; (3) how to recreate safely during the pandemic. Please share this one broadly!

Tony Schoonen, Chief of Staff of the Boone and Crockett Club, joins the podcast from the North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference in Omaha. Topics include: Teddy Roosevelt; history and structure of the Boone and Crockett Club; use of technology in hunting; the Club's fair chase mentality; and more. This influential sporting organization, is also the nation's oldest. That history, and Tony's expertise, creates a very entertaining discussion.

Eric Dinger of Sovereign Sportsman Solutions joins the podcast to discuss all things R3. They discuss an often overlooked aspect of hunter recruitment and retention: how state licensing systems work, and ways in which states could improve licensing systems to make it easier to get hunters in the field. Other topics covered include: the status of the Timber app and Wife CRM since they recorded episode 39; Dave's Missouri dove hunting saga; Dinger's Mountain; and more. Enjoy this fascinating discussion.

This episode provides an overview of the policy and politics of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The guys begin by giving an LWCF 101 crash course. Next, they explain how Montana Governor Steve Bullock's recent decision to run for US Senate elevated the interest in LWCF, and put sportsmen and women in a position to potentially determine which party will control the US Senate next year. If you like hunting, fishing, access, trails, parks, or politics, you'll enjoy this episode.

In their first live podcast, the guys are joined by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon; WY Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik; WY Game and Fish Commissioner Ralph Brokaw; and Wyoming Wildlife Federation's Jess Johnson. Topics include: the mountain goat controversy in Grand Teton National Park; migration corridors, being an effective advocate, the Camo at the Capitol program, and more. You don't want to miss this episode.

Government feeding programs for elk are controversial. However, the guys don't shy away from controversy. Topics covered in this episode include: the history of elk feedgrounds; how feeding programs work; disease transmission; costs of operation; challenges with ending programs; opportunities for adaptive management; local and national political impacts; and more. There's a lot to unpack here, and not nearly enough time to discuss it all.

State legislatures are in session all over the country, which means anything is possible, and hunters need to be engaged in the process to protect their interests. The guys highlight a handful of good and bad bills from around the country, and explain why what happens in one state can impact another. Topics covered include: hunting contests, trapping, landowner licenses, ammunition restrictions, hunting with dogs, license allocations, Sunday hunting, and hunters safety in the classroom. Check it out!

Laying the groundwork for a discussion on the rules for defining the phrase Waters of the United States, Nephi and Mike run through the process of Congress writing laws, agencies creating implementing regulations backed up by guidance, and how those regulations can be challenged in court. It is a clean overview of the process that is carried out all the time at the federal and state levels of government.

The guys bring you two episodes in one to discuss the policy and science of using traditional lead ammunition and alternatives. Episode 1 features ballistics and ammunition expert Ryan Bronson discussing the use of traditional lead ammunition. Episode 2 features Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Non-Lead Partnership discussing non-lead alternatives. Spoiler: everyone agrees there is no need to further regulate lead ammunition, but there's still a lot to unpack here. Enjoy the dialogue!

The guys discuss the origin and meaning of the term "Green Decoy." Are there nefarious operatives in our midst? Are some of the most popular hunting organizations in the United States just Trojan horses for "extreme environmentalists?" Can hunters and anglers call themselves environmentalists? Is there a simple test for determining whether someone represents a legitimate hunting or angling organization? These questions, and many more are answered during this entertaining episode.

Dave and Nephi plead for Mike's return, but are forced to record without him once again. They discuss ballot initiatives, and how they are used as a tool to limit and outright ban hunting. Topics include: the history of the North American Model; constitutional rights to hunt and fish; wolf reintroduction by ballot measure in Colorado; wolves in Wyoming; the use of ballot initiatives to ban or restrict trapping, bear hunting, and mountain lion hunting; what hunters should do about it; and more!

Dave and Nephi look back on some of the issues they covered in 2019, provide a few updates, and give a sneak peek into topics they intend to cover in 2020. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great introduction to what we are all about, and why it's worth giving us a listen. If you're a longtime listener, there's something for you too. Check out the episode, and then tell us what topics you want us to cover in 2020 by emailing us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening!

Joel Webster, Director of the Center for Western Lands of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership joins Dave and Nephi to talk about public land access. Specifically, they discuss TRCP's work with OnX to identify and map the 6.35 million acres of public lands in the West that have no permanent, public access. Topics include: the history of TRCP; the importance of access to the future of hunting; corner crossing; successful existing access partnerships with landowners; ideas for increasing access; Joel's mountain; and so much more.

Lindsay Layland, Deputy Director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay, joins the guys to talk everything Pebble mine. Topics include: the geography and fishery of Bristol Bay; history of the proposed Pebble mine; a description of the project; concerns about the project; why being anti-Pebble mine doesn't mean being anti-mining; recent opinions from the EPA and Department of Interior; project timing; and more. If you've ever wondered what Pebble mine is and why you should care, this is the episode for you.

The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 provides critical funding to state wildlife agencies (paid by hunters and recreational shooters) to manage wildlife. Last week, two bills passed the House Natural Resources Committee that would amend the Pittman-Robertson Act to help recruit new hunters and provide more resources to state wildlife agencies to manage wildlife and habitat. The guys tell you all about the bills, and the steps remaining before they become law.

Hunters are on the decline nationwide, which means so is funding for wildlife management. The guys talk about how to fund the future of wildlife management. Topics covered include: state and federal funding efforts; why non-consumptive user really means non-contributory user; why hunters need non-hunters; the need for non-hunters to contribute to wildlife management; and more. We get a little philosophical and a lot less wonky in this one. Hope you'll tune in!

Dave and Nephi sit down to discuss several policies and laws that get in the way of your hunting, and also what grizzly bear management in the lower-48 might look like under a special ESA provision called a 4(d) Rule. Enjoy.

Mike and Nephi get together to discuss the recent developments in Pennsylvania over Sunday hunting. They cover the changes that have occurred since the last podcast on the issue and discuss the process the legislation went through to get to the Governor's desk. Enjoy the short and sweet breakdown.

The Trump administration is seeking comment on a proposal to exempt Alaska's Tongass National Forest from the Clinton administration's Roadless Rule. What does this mean? The guys explain. They also provide an overview of the the regional economy, geography, biology, and regulatory overlay of the Tongass. And as always, they cut through the hyperbole and let you know what could happen, and when.

The guys talk all things hunting and hunting policy with Safari Club International's Cyrus Baird and Ben Cassidy. They discuss the role of Safari Club; Ben's experience at the Department of Interior; status of the CECIL Act (trophy import ban); silly season in Congress; protecting state's and hunter's rights; value of hunting competitions; the need for hunters to unite; litigation as a tool; hunters playing offense instead of defense; Ben and Cyrus's mountain; and more.

After a short break to go hunting, the guys check back in to share some hunting stories from this fall and discuss the multi-dimensional issues surrounding federal oil and gas leasing in migration corridors. The guys discuss what federal leasing means and debate whether it will lead to development. Enjoy.

Dave and Nephi visit with Jon Zinnel, Federal Premium's Conservation and Youth Shooting Sports Director. They talk all things Federal, including: innovation in the ammunition industry, why you should care about the shooting sports, youth shooting programs, what makes up a wildlife agency budget, impediments to recruiting youth hunters, the need to invest in conversation, Jon's Mountain, and more.

Mike and Nephi break down the recent action to repeal the Waters of the United States regulation established during the Obama administration, but first give the historic context to understand what is going on. They take a dry subject and filter out the noise so you can be informed around the water cooler. Enjoy.

In this episode, Dave and Mike want to hear from you! They quickly run through 10 current events in natural resource law and policy that you need to know. Then they ask you to let them know which ones deserve a dedicated episode. This is your chance to weigh in on the next several episodes of the podcast, so take a listen and then email your suggestions to [email protected] or connect via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at the handle @itsyourmountain.