Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast

Joey and Chris are back with a field recap from two days assisting the Monteith Shop's mule deer research in the Wyoming Range. Their work focused on fawn captures, a key part of understanding mule deer survival, reproduction, genetics, and how harsh or mild winters impact the herd. They explain how collared adult does, implant transmitters, satellite location "clusters," and telemetry help resear...

Joey, Janet and Chris sit down with Breanna Ball with The Wyldlife Fund —a nonprofit partner created in 2019 to help fill funding gaps for Wyoming Game and Fish priorities, with 90% of funds going to on-the-ground work. Breanna shares how the fund has grown from about $500,000 raised in 2020 to over $4.4 million last year, and how that support turns into fast, measurable conservation wins. They ta...

Evan was selected to participate in Wyoming's "Un Hunt" program, creating an opportunity that brought the Coopers to the West for a hunt they'll never forget. Evan describes the experience in a way that makes you feel like you're right there with him. The heart of the episode is the story of when Evan harvested his first bull elk. It's not told as a highlight reel. It's told honestly: the anticipa...

This truly touching episode of Wild Things & Wild Places brings listeners into the heart of the Muley Fanatic Foundation's Putting the U in Hunt program — a life-changing experience for youth facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Hosts Joey Faigl and Janet Crofts sit down with longtime volunteers John Grossnickle and Jason Faigl , who share deeply personal stories from their years helping...

In this episode of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, hosts Joy Faigl, Janet Crofts, and Chris Steffen sit down with Kerry Schultz, Program Director of the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust. Kerry breaks down the concept of conservation easements, which are legal agreements between private landowners and a qualified entity such as a land trust to permanently protect the land from deve...

In this episode of Wild Things and Wild Places , Janet, Chris, and Joey from the Muley Fanatic Foundation recap their busy and impactful summer of 2025. The team took part in fawn captures in the Wyoming Range to support ongoing mule deer monitoring efforts, gathering critical data on population health. They also tackled invasive species and habitat restoration through Cheatgrass spraying near Roc...

In this laid-back and personal episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , we welcome Jessica Evans...hunter, business owner, and all-around outdoor enthusiast from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Jessica pulls up a chair and shares her story in a way that feels like you're right there beside her in the field, on the mountain, or at the truck tailgate after a long day outdoors. She walks us through her early me...

In this episode of the MFF Podcast, the focus is on the controversial topic of selling public lands, a pressing issue in Wyoming and other Western states. The special guest is Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF), who will soon be heading to Washington, D.C. to represent Wyoming.  The discussion underscores the potential catastrophic impact the propose...

This episode of Wild Things & Wild Places marks the first with our new crew! While Josh is off doing important work in D.C., the Muley Fanatic Foundation podcast lives on and it's in great hands. Meet your new hosts: Joey Faigl , Chris Steffen , and Janet Crofts —a trio of longtime MFF champions who bring deep knowledge, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart to the mic. In this transition episode,...

This week's episode of Wild Things & Wild Places is an emotional one. Host Joshua Coursey is setting out on a new adventure, but this is not goodbye, just a "see you later." The podcast can continue, and Josh will remain a part of the MFF family forever. He's taking on a new role working for the government, and while it's bittersweet, it's also an exciting new chapter. This episode is especially h...

This one feels like sitting around the campfire with old friends. In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , Joshua Coursey is joined by his longtime friend and fellow co-founder of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Joey Faigl. These two have been in it together since the beginning building MFF from the ground up with a shared love for wildlife, conservation, country, and community. Recorded at th...

In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey welcomes Abe Aryan and Phil Mendoza, organizers of the  Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo . As they gear up for their third annual event coming March 27–29, 2026 , the duo shares their deep-rooted passion for conservation, community, and the future of our hunting heritage. Phil Mendoza, a respected name in the archery world, says it best:...

In this unique episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , the mic is turned around... Joshua Coursey, usually the one asking the questions, is the one answering them! Josh joins Charene Herrera on a radio and video news program for a laid-back, genuine conversation about all things deer season, what's on the horizon for next year, and a few exciting initiatives the Muley Fanatic Foundation is proud to...

In this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey takes us on the road to Virginia for a special gathering with the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Muley Fanatic Foundation. As one of the most unique and far-reaching MFF chapters, this group proves that passion for conservation and camaraderie knows no geographic limits. Josh sits down with Matt Blauch , th...

In this new episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey brings you a special conversation recorded live on the final day of Mule Deer Days. Joining him are Kevin Monteith and Rebekah Rafferty, both of whom have been on past episodes and are familiar voices to our listeners. This episode not only reflects on the success of the Mule Deer Days event but also looks ahead to something ex...

Mule Deer Days 2025 is right around the corner, and we're diving into all the exciting educational opportunities, updates, and giveaways in this special episode of Wild Things & Wild Places ! Host Joshua Coursey is joined by Regina Dickson , the Information and Educational Specialist for Wyoming Game and Fish in Green River. Regina brings experience working with the department, from aquatic invasi...

Mule Deer Days 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event packed with conservation, community, and can't-miss opportunities. Whether you're a dedicated supporter or new to the event, there's something for everyone. March 21-23, 2025 at the Sweetwater County Events Complex.  One of the key highlights is the  Life Membership Banquet , an exclusive gathering for Life Members featuring guest spea...

In this special episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , we bring you an unscripted, raw, and real conversation straight from Camo at the Capitol event . Hosted by Joshua Coursey, this episode features a return guest, Jess Johnson of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and a very special guest, Representative Andrew Byron , Chairman of the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committe...

The latest episode of Wild Things & Wild Places takes listeners to the 2025 Camo at the Capitol event, where conservation, leadership, and outdoor advocacy come together. This episode features a powerful lineup of guests who are making an impact on Wyoming's public lands, wildlife, and the policies that shape outdoor recreation and conservation. Chris Floyd, Deputy Director of Wyoming State Parks,...

In this special episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , we bring you an exclusive interview straight from Camo at the Capitol event featuring Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and the always engaging Bob Budd, Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust. This is a fun, light-hearted but serious conversation about Wyoming's future.  This dynamic conversation dives into Wyoming's...

In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey sits down with Jess Johnson, the Government Affairs Director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF). They dive deep into an exciting annual event happening on February 13 in Cheyenne: Camo at the Capitol . This unique event offers sportsmen and conservationists the opportunity to engage directly with legislators, advocate for wi...

In this latest episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey sits down with a truly special guest, Rebecca Levine, affectionately known as  Moose Girl from the Monteith Shop. If you're a fan of wildlife, especially moose, get ready to geek out! Rebecca dives deep into the world of moose, sharing fascinating insights about these incredible creatures. Did you know moose don't have sweat...

In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , we're thrilled to introduce the second-ever MFF Fellow, Rebekah Rafferty. Rebekah, a Ph. D. student at the University of Wyoming under the direction of Dr. Kevin Monteith, has taken on the role of project leader for the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project which is a long-running initiative launched in 2013. This episode dives into her groundbreaking work,...

In this latest episode of Wild Things & Wild Places , host Joshua Coursey sits down with Kevin Monteith from the Monteith Shop to get into the exciting advancements of the Muley Fanatic Foundation Fellowship program. The discussion highlights the second MFF Fellow, a pivotal role designed to support groundbreaking research and conservation efforts. But what exactly is an MFF Fellow? Kevin and Josh...

In this heartfelt episode of Wild Things & Wild Places, host Joshua Coursey is joined by Joey Faigl to highlight the Muley Fanatic Foundation's impactful program, Putting the 'U' in Hunt. They get to dive into why this program is crucial for providing life-changing hunting experiences to youth with life-threatening illnesses and the importance of the upcoming fundraising event on January 22, 2025...