Through the Gates

In this episode of Through the Gates, we break down the rapidly evolving landscape of wildlife management in Colorado and beyond. From upcoming Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission confirmations to the continued fallout from Proposition 127, this episode dives deep into the political, cultural, and scientific battles shaping the future of hunting, trapping, and conservation. We also examine th...

In this data-driven episode of Through the Gates, we break down the real science, numbers, and economic impact behind hunting, trapping, and wildlife conservation in America—and why these facts matter now more than ever. From Colorado wildlife policy battles to national statistics on hunters, trappers, and conservation funding, this episode exposes the disconnect between science-based wildlife man...

In Episode 93 of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down one of the most detailed and controversial discussions yet surrounding wildlife policy, governance, and political influence in Colorado. This episode dives deep into the connections between policymakers, activist organizations, and wildlife commissions—unpacking how decisions are made, who influences them, and what it means for hunters, ran...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Aspen Grady and Guy Duplantier at the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo for a powerful conversation about the future of hunting, conservation, and the rising influence of women in the outdoor space. Aspen shares her journey from growing up around hunting to stepping into the conservation fight, working in policy, and becoming part of a rapidly gr...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with  @Laramysasquatchmiller   at the Mile High Hunting Expo in Denver, Colorado to break down the growing battle over wildlife management, hunting rights, and political influence in the West. From wolf reintroduction to trapping bans, ballot initiatives, and the increasing role of emotion-driven policy, this conversation dives deep into th...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we expose what many hunters, ranchers, and the people of Colorado need to understand about the powerful and national network of animal rights extremists that are manipulating  science-based wildlife management for agenda driven politics. Following the controversial Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on March 4–5, this episode dives deep into the gr...

This is what ignoring wildlife science looks like. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommended denial. Sportsmen came out 500 strong against about 40 antis. The biologists are telling us that harvest is not impacting populations. The commissioners didn't know what they were voting on yet. Despite all of this, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to ban fur. The future of conservation, hunt...

In Episode 88 of Through the Gates, we join forces with  @salidagunshop   to break down the growing conflict surrounding wolf reintroduction, ballot initiatives, wildlife commission politics, and the widening urban-rural divide shaping Colorado’s future. From policy decisions affecting sportsmen to the long-term consequences for ranchers, outfitters, and conservation funding, this episode dives de...

In this special collaboration between Through the Gates and The Mountainside Podcast, Bobby Marshall sits down with Dan Gates, founder of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, to break down the escalating fight over wildlife conservation in Colorado. At the center of the battle is the defense of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation — the gold standard framework that has guid...

Is Colorado government broken? In Episode 86 of Through the Gates, we sit down with gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez to discuss the growing concerns over ballot initiatives, special interest influence, wildlife policy, and the future of Colorado’s constitutional republic. From Proposition 114 and wolf reintroduction to the increasing power of direct democracy, this conversation dives deep into h...

Live from Sheep Show, Dan sits down with the Alaska Wild Project. Abundant wildlife in North America didn’t happen by accident — it happened because of science-based wildlife management, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and the men and women willing to defend it. In this episode Dan and AWP break down why the North American Model is the greatest conservation success story in the...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we break down the growing legislative threats facing sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, and everyday Coloradans — and why these battles go far beyond hunting and fishing. From Senate Bill 26-043, which seeks to regulate firearm barrels, to Senate Bill 26-062, targeting rodent control products and pest management, this episode exposes how policy decisions...

Jana Waller Bair, founder of Skull Bound Chronicles, joins the show to talk about hunting, storytelling, conservation, and what it means to live an unapologetic outdoor life in a world increasingly hostile to hunting traditions. Jana shares her journey into hunting, how Skull Bound Chronicles was built to give hunters a voice, and why authentic storytelling matters more than ever. The conversation...

The fight over furbearer hunting and trapping is escalating — and most people have no idea what’s actually happening. In this episode of Through the Gates, we expose the growing political push to ban or restrict furbearer hunting, trapping, and wildlife utilization under the guise of “science” and “compassion.” From bobcats and beavers to coyotes and ringtails, activist organizations are using mis...

In this urgent episode, Dan Gates lays out the reality of the fight facing hunters, trappers, and science-based wildlife management in Colorado. From the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to the state legislature and looming ballot initiatives, coordinated anti-hunting extremist efforts are working to dismantle the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Dan breaks down how emotional a...

Dan Gates breaks down and responds directly to public comments from the loudest anti-hunting activists influencing Colorado wildlife policy, including First Gentleman Marlon Reis, Project Coyote representative Mark Surls, and Samantha Miller (Ctr. for Biological Diversity), examining how their rhetoric collides with science-based wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conserv...

In our final episode of the year, Dan Gates takes a serious look at what’s coming next for Colorado’s furbearer management as the CPW Commission prepares to debate sweeping changes that could permanently reshape wildlife conservation in our state. We dig into what’s really at stake — from the future of regulated trapping and ethical fur use, to the role furbearers play in healthy ecosystems, to th...

In this episode, Dan updates us on some of the recent news coming from Colorado breaking down the political influence on Colorado wildlife management and the real-world consequences now playing out inside Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The discussion begins with the resignations of Director Jeff Davis and Commissioner Murphy Robinson. Dan explains why these departures matter, what they signal about...

In this unique Through the Gates episode, Dan visits Colorado Gators in the San Luis Valley—one of the most unexpected reptile sanctuaries in the West. Chad Hacking walks us through the history of the farm, how a tilapia operation became an alligator rescue, and why hundreds of gators now thrive in a place better known for snow than swamps. Hear the real story behind reptile rescues, why alligator...

In this special international episode of Through the Gates, Dan sits down in remote Porcupine Plains, Saskatchewan with Bryon Patchin, owner of Piwie Lake Outfitters and a lifelong trapper, guide, fur buyer, and outdoorsman. Bryon shares a rare inside look at what it means to truly live off the land—from 40 years of trapping, guiding whitetail and black bear hunters, and buying furs across some of...

Colorado is becoming the nation’s testing ground for aggressive anti-hunting and anti-management efforts — and in this episode, we break down exactly what’s happening, who’s behind the push, and how it threatens the future of wildlife conservation in the West. This conversation in conjunction with Cable Smith's Lone Star Outdoor Show dives deep into the rising political pressure on wildlife policy...

In this powerful joint episode of Through the Gates and Rokcast, Sam Weaver sits down once again with Dan Gates, Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM), to break down the escalating fight for science-based wildlife management in Colorado. Dan explains the behind-the-scenes political pressure, legislative maneuvering, and activist tactics threatening hunting, fi...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan sits down with Randy Jackson, founder of Rustic Living / Rustic Log Furniture, to explore how true craftsmanship, sustainable forestry, and Colorado heritage come together in heirloom-quality furniture. Randy shares how a simple Mother’s Day project grew into a decades-long business built on responsibly harvested dead-standing aspen, rigorous quality contr...

In this urgent episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with special guest Swartout to break down why Colorado is entering its “Dunkirk moment” in the battle to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Just as Winston Churchill rallied a nation to protect its future, hunters, ranchers, biologists, and Colorado citizens must now stand together against political pressure, m...

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commissioner Murphy Robinson joins Through the Gates for the most transparent, engaging, and wide-ranging interview he’s ever given. Murphy opens up about his lifelong love of fishing and hunting, how he unexpectedly ended up on the CPW Commission, what it’s like navigating political pressure, and his mission to keep wildlife management science-based, ethical, and acc...