Conservation Unfiltered

On this episode, Jason talks with Bryan Burhans of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bryan is the Executive Director and this is our annual episode discussing the past year, along with the upcoming year. Topics discussed during the episode include the 2023 Bear and Deer seasons, changes to expect in 2024, and how the process of proposed changes work. Website | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, Jason talks with Chef Jeremy Critchfield. Jeremy is a lifelong outdoorsman with a 34 year 5 star culinary career and THE HuntChef! During the episode, Jeremy talks about how his career as a chef has inspired his work with HuntChef, tips for processing and caring for wild game, and best cooking practices. Chef also shares his passion on introducing more people to wild game and why...

In this episode, Jason talks with Sara Mueller of the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Sara is the Executive Director of the WLA where she leads the administration and organizational growth and development for the organization. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with her B.S., Master’s degree, and Ph. D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. During the conversation, Sara discusses th...

In this episode Jason talks with Jeannine Fleegle and Andrea Korman of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Jeannine is a wildlife biologist working specifically with deer and elk and Andrea is the CWD section Supervisor. During the conversation, Jeannine and Andrea describe Chronic Wasting Disease, how it is transferred, and what species it can affect. They also detail why CWD is such a concern, wha...

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Ellen Candler. Ellen received her PhD in Conservation Science-Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Minnesota and is currently a postdoctoral researcher. She grew up in Idaho camping, hiking, rafting, hunting, and fishing, which led to a love of the outdoors. During the conversation, Dr. Candler lets us in on a unique project she is running: t...

In this episode, Jason talks with Randy Ferguson about the good will of hunters in PA. Randy is the Executive Director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest and previously worked as the Volunteer coordinator for Crawford and Mercer counties. During the conversation, Randy tells us about the mission of HSH, how this all got started, and how the process works for both hunters and deer processers. He also d...

In this EMERGENCY BONUS episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don is the PA Chairman of the BHA and a returning guest. He fills us in on a specific amendment to HB 1300, a state budget bill. This amendment redirects (STEALS) $150 million from the Game Fund and allocates that money for alternate spending. Listen in as Don explains how this is a terrible financial de...

In this episode, Jason talks with Todd Holmes of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Todd is the Shooting Sports Division Chief and acting National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state coordinator. During the conversation, Todd fills us in on his role within the PGC, what NASP does, and how the program benefits kids. He also details how you can get your school involved with NASP, a possible p...

On this episode, Jason talks with Bob Frye of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bob is formerly the outdoor columnist for the Tribune Review and currently the Associate Editor of the PA Game News. During the conversation, Bob details how he started his writing career, gives advice on how to become an outdoor writer, and shares tips for how to hone your writing skills. He also dives into some of hi...

In this episode, Jason talks with Chris Beichner. Chris graduated from Clarion University and is the President and CEO of Allegheny Land Trust. His tenure has witnessed the creation of ATL's Community Conservation strategic focus, which includes conserving land in the City of Pittsburgh. During the conversation, Chris fills us in on the Mission of Allegheny Land Trust, general conservation ben...

In this episode, Jason talks with Terry Bryant and JD Walker of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Terry is the Chairman of the Board and long time supporter of KECA. JD is the newly hired President of KECA who also has long ties to the organization. Topics in this episode include what KECA has accomplished over the years, why JD is such a good fit, and plans moving forward. You'll also hear c...

In this episode, Jason talks with Brandi Hanes, Morgan Lovenduski, and Ben Porkolab of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Brandi is the Visitor Center Supervisor, Morgan is Director of Marketing and Communications, and Ben is the Conservation Education Coordinator respectively. During the episode, They each fill us in on all that Elk Expo 2023 has to offer. Held this year on July 29th and 30th in...

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Dillingham of the American Littoral Society. Tim is a biologist by training, former Director of the Sierra Club in New Jersey, and current Executive Director of ALS-an organization Protecting the Coast through Education, Conservation, and Advocacy . During the conversation, Tim highlights the mission of ALS, details the biggest impacts on coastlines, and how A...

I this episode, Jason talks with Amy Floyd of Dalan Animal Health. Amy works as a Field Technician and in Beekeeper Relations while traveling around the US in a self-converted camper van with her dog. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management and Masters degree in Entomology and Insect Science from the University of Arizona. During the conversation, Amy fills us in...

In this episode, Jason talks with Diana and John Ingles. Together, they are co-founders of a lifestyle brand called Wild Routed. Wild Routed is a family owned company producing unique products like stickers, shirts printed with algae ink, and hat patches, key fob holders, and key chains made with a plant-based leather alternative called MIRUM. During the conversation, Diana and John provide tips f...

In this episode, Jason talks with Steve Demarais of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab. Steve is the Co-Director of MSU Deer Lab, Taylor Chair in applied big game research, a lifetime hunter, and spent the past 40 years in the research field (in Texas and MSU) as a deer biologist. During the conversation, he fills us in on the purpose of the MSU Deer Lab, why GPS tracking is such a valuable...

In this episode, Jason talks with tick and Lyme disease prevention specialist, Brian Anderson. Brian, known as the Tick Terminator, works as a consultant & conference speaker. He helps outdoor workers and outdoor enthusiasts learn about ticks and disease prevention. During the conversation, Brian details the life cycle of ticks, habitat ticks prefer, and why ticks seem to be so prevalent now....

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Schaeffer about trout stocking. Time is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, an agency whose mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. During the conversation, Tim fills us in on when Trout season starts (SPOLER: it's April 1st!) , why...

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Patricia Demarco. Patty received a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, She has spent a fifty -year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions. She served as Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association (2006-2011) and as Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University...

In this episode, Jason talks with Whit Fosburgh about sagebrush habitat. Whit is the President and CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, an organization working to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP unites and amplifies their partners’ voices to advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access. During the conversation, Whit shares the work TRCP...

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Natalie Cypher about urban pheasants living in Detroit. Natalie is an educator with the Michigan DNR working as a Park Interpreter at the Outdoor Adventure Center. In her position, she teaches about Michigan's natural resources, including the Detroit River, Great Lakes science, and birding. Listen in as Natalie explains the Outdoor Adventure Center's role,...

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Thomas Keller of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Tom is a Furbearer Biologist for the PGC and joins us to discuss the proposal to reintroduce the American Marten to Pennsylvania. During the discussion, Tom details how wildlife has historically been lost in Pennsylvania, how certain species are selected to be reintroduced, and how a feasibility study helps...

In today's episode, Jason talks with Kevin Singleton of Yearning Wild. Kevin grew up hunting and fishing in Southern New York State,  worked as a teenager in boat yard on the Hudson River, and is now the owner of a 2% certified business that focuses on healthy dog treats and chews. During the conversation, Kevin dishes on what it was like to work in a boat yard, his thoughts on mentored youth...

In this week's episode, Jason talks with returning guest Bryan Burhans. Bryan is the Executive Director the Pennsylvania Game Commission and he brings news for the new year. Topics include why RAWA is such an important bill for state agencies, how Ruffed Grouse are doing in the state, how the PGC made a weather issue right, and updates on CWD. Bryan also provides updates on the Antlerless license...

In this week's episode, Jason talks with legendary TV host and conservationist Peter Gros. Peter is known for designing innovative wildlife displays where animals can roam free of fencing, developing endangered species breeding programs, and for being one of the hosts of the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Listen in as Peter tells us about his life working in wildlife conservation education, why h...