The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

Our Stories Connect Us All || Ep. 34. Sean Paul, an outfitter and former pastor, joins Dana to discuss his life in Manitoba, his transition from pastoring to guiding, and his passion for hunting. He shares stories of family connections, the joy of hunting, and the significance of horses. Sean also talks about becoming a black bear outfitter in Manitoba, the divine inspiration behind his career cha...

Ep. 143 The Hunter Conservationist Podcast || Jim Fisher, Vice President of Canadian Policy for Delta Waterfowl, joins Mark and Curtis to discuss the four pillars of Delta Waterfowl's operations: research, conservation, duck production, and hunter recruitment and retention (R3). Jim addresses the challenges faced by dabbling ducks in nesting due to changes in predator communities and habitat. He d...

Around Canada Ep. 83 || In this episode, Mark and Dana discuss the situation around the elver fishery, the legal challenges faced by Métis hunters, and recent adjustments in Yukon hunting regulations aimed at encouraging youth participation. Other topics include the effects of hydroelectric dams on salmon populations, legal outcomes for wildlife violations, Toronto's new migratory bird protection...

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast Ep. 142 || Micah Dungey, the Non-Lead Outreach Coordinator for the Institute for Wildlife Studies in association with the North American Non-Lead Partnership, discusses lead-free ammunition in this episode. The conversation examines ammunition choices in hunting, specifically regarding the cost and perceptions of lead-free options. The speakers address obstacles...

Short Truths Canada Ep. 16 || Curtis Hall and Raphael Braga discuss the implications of gun control policies, drawing parallels between Brazil's experience with firearms restrictions and the current situation in Canada. Raphael shares his personal experiences and observations from Brazil, highlighting the dangers of disarming law-abiding citizens and the rise of crime in the absence of responsible...

The Hunter Conservationist Podcast Ep. 141 || Curtis and Mark host three candidates from their riding, Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, running in the 2025 federal election: Rob Morrison (Conservative), Reggy Goldsbury (Liberal), and Kallee Lims (NDP). They discuss firearm ownership in Canada, including the buyback program, offering their party's positions as well as their own strategies. This...

A look at hunting cougars with hounds using the Fair Chase test Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addressing the accusation that cougar hunting is unethical using the 3 levels of ethics in hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug and Mark discuss fur price trends, auction impacts on sales, and species performance in the market. They also address global fur industry dynamics, tariffs, fur bans, and community responses. The talk covers fur market complexities, banning implications, federal election, trade barriers on seal hunts, and Hudson Bay Company legacy. They stress trappers' role in conservation and the need for p...

In this episode, Rob Olson of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation examines the complexities surrounding ecological corridors and biodiversity commitments in Canada, with a particular focus on the 30 by 30 initiative. The program addresses the moose management crisis in Manitoba, emphasizing its community impacts and Indigenous rights. It explores the role of Indigenous Protected Areas (IPCA) and the...

Mark and Dana discuss recent changes in Canadian hunting regulations, focusing on youth hunting laws in Alberta and British Columbia. They also reflect on the Hudson Bay Company's historical impact on Canadian history and conservation. The episode covers complexities of reintroducing wolves in Colorado, including challenges and public perceptions of wildlife management and messaging around killing...

In this episode, Dana interviews Teddy Cosco from Cast and Iron, discussing his background in the Yukon and his role in the outdoor cooking and conservation community. Teddy talks about his experiences with cooking, the relevance of mental health, and his initiative with the Spey Foundation to promote steelhead conservation. The discussion addresses the relationship between outdoor activities, coo...

Mark looks at the evolution of the concept of coexisting with wildlife and he discusses whether cohabitating with wildlife in our communities is the right thing to do for wildlife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Douglas Clark discusses trophy import bans, polar bears as climate change symbols, and Indigenous rights in managing polar bears. He covers the history of polar bear conservation, research challenges, and climate change impacts. The conversation includes Arctic sea ice changes, hunting regulations' effects on Indigenous communities, and economic implications. It highlights 'super providers,' c...

In this episode, Dana talks with Tim and Wren Hepworth about their experiences in hunting, fishing, and parenting outdoors. Tim discusses his transition from hunting to guiding fishing, and the joys and challenges of raising an outdoor-loving child. Wren shares her perspective on their adventures and memorable hunts, along with the influence of social media on their family life. Learn more about y...

In this episode, Dana Dykema talks with Casey Donovan, a dedicated hunter and outdoor enthusiast residing in the Yukon. Casey recounts his journey from growing up in New Brunswick to relocating to the Yukon for employment and adventure. He elaborates on the role his family played in fostering his passion for hunting and fishing, his academic background in biology and pharmacy, and his initial use...

In this episode, Mark and Dana discuss the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia conference, focusing on community spirit, conservation, and inclusivity in hunting. They examine the controversy over a cougar hunt in Alberta and pen hunting ethics, a recent court ruling for Innu hunters in Quebec-Labrador, wild pigs in Manitoba, the World Wildlife Fund’s position on polar bear hunting and trade as...

Gray Thornton, President & CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation, discusses the challenges facing wild sheep populations and hunters' role in conservation. The focus is on bighorn sheep recovery, disease challenges, non-native species, habitat restoration, and predator management. He highlights the importance of auction tags for funding conservation and the role of philanthropists. The discussion also...

In this episode Doug and Mark cover: The resurgence of vintage and recycled fur in fashion, managing urban coyote populations, the Quebec Trappers Association conference,        BC Trappers Association wolf pelt fundraiser, Alberta's compensation program for trappers affected by industrial activities, the economic value of fur in forest management and intriguing research on polar bear fur and its...

Kyle Stelter, CEO of the Wild Sheep Society of BC delves into the complexities surrounding auction tags in hunting, particularly focusing on their implications for conservation funding, ethical considerations, and the controversies they generate within the hunting community. The discussion highlights the significant amounts of money raised through auction tags, the contrasting effectiveness of raf...

In this engaging conversation, Dana Dykema sits down with Shayne Punnett, a Canadian homesteader and hunter, to explore her journey of building a homestead on Vancouver Island and her deep-rooted passion for hunting. Shayne shares her experiences of growing up in a hunting family, the challenges of balancing family life with her hunting pursuits, and the importance of passing on these traditions t...

Dr. Everett Hanna, Kelsey Gourlie and Marcela Leija Montoya from the Wildlife Analytics Lab in Alberta explore the importance of data collection in understanding animal populations, the nostalgic beginnings of hunting programs, and the intricate process of aging animal teeth to inform wildlife management strategies. The team shares insights into their roles, the lab's genesis, and the exciting tec...

In this episode Doug and Mark discuss: The Dallas Safari Club Convention Paul Watson's Legal Troubles: A Missed Chance for Justice  Insights from the Fur Harvesters Auction Convention Looking Ahead: FIC AGM and Community Engagement      Fur Promotion Campaign Overview       The Impact of Influencers on Fur Marketing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, historian Gerry Lister shares the stories of two fallen Conservation Officers, Dennis Greenwood and Albert Farey, delving into their tragic histories and the impact of their sacrifices on their communities. Gerry explains the aftermath of these incidents, the community's reaction, the investigation that followed, and the legacy left behind. The discussion also touches on the impor...

In this episode Mark & Dana discuss the Dallas Safari Club Convention and highlight the global representation of the hunting community and the importance of building relationships for conservation efforts in Canada. The discussion then shifts to the controversial topic of wolf translocation from British Columbia to Colorado, exploring the political and social implications of wildlife management de...