The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

Dana and Mike Fitzgerald explore Mike's journey from a childhood spent fishing to his later passion for hunting and writing. They discuss the impact of family dynamics, the nutritional aware ness that led Mike to hunting, and the bond he shares with his brother through outdoor adventures. Mike shares his experiences with rejection in his writing career and how he overcame it to find success. Dana...

Host Dana Dykema sits down with Mark Hall to learn more about the guy behind Blood Origins Canada. Mark shares his journey from his upbringing in Cranbrook, BC, to becoming a passionate hunter. He reflects on the unique experiences of growing up as an only child, the influence of his family on his hunting practices, and the evolution of hunting traditions over the years. Mark also discusses his fi...

Dr. Lee Foote reflect on the notable events of 2024, discussing personal hunting experiences, emerging threats to wildlife such as the H5N1 virus and chronic wasting disease, the legality of keeping exotic pets, the implications of gun control laws on hunting in Canada, the effectiveness of small caliber rifles, emerging trends in hunting equipment like air rifles, the role of cloning technology i...

Ed Tetley explores the profound connections between hunting, family, and personal growth. Ed shares his journey from being a butcher to a welder, reflecting on the lessons learned through his experiences in both professions. The discussion delves into the ethics of hunting, the importance of gratitude in the process, and how hunting has shaped Ed's perspective on life and family. Ultimately, the c...

Ryan Garrett joins Mark and Curtis to explore the changing narrative surrounding hunting, the impact of social media, and the importance of effective communication in advocating for hunting rights. Ryan discusses personal experiences, the role of rhetoric in shaping public perception, and the need for hunters to evolve their storytelling to connect with a broader audience. Ryan addresses common my...

Mark and Dana discuss the implications of increased mountain lion harvest quotas in Alberta, the management of chronic wasting disease in British Columbia, and the controversial deer cull on Sydney Island. Other topics covered include moose population control in Terra Nova National Park, the complexities surrounding wolf reintroduction in Colorado, and eating urban feral rabbits.  Learn more about...

In this episode, Dana Dykema talks with Seb Lavoie, a retired Sergeant Major with a rich background in military and law enforcement. They discuss Seb's journey through adversity, including a significant health challenge that led to an elective amputation. Seb shares insights on personal growth, the importance of ethical hunting, and the philosophy of embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. Th...

Charles Whitwam and Mike Costello from Howl for Wildlife and Brandt MacDuff, author of the Shotgun Conservationist discuss the defeat of proposition 127 in Colorado. Topics covered include the importance of urban voters, the consequences of ballot box biology, the unprecedented mobilization of the hunting community, strategies employed to engage voters, and the importance of social media in raisin...

In this episode Doug and Mark discuss the recent changes in Alberta's quota system for fur bearers, recent legislative changes in Colorado and Washington D.C. regarding fur sales, the introduction of seal licenses in New Brunswick and PEI, the impact of wildfires on trapping and agriculture, and the legacy of Robert Sopuck, a champion for rural life and wildlife conservation. Learn more about your...

Dr. Kaylee Byers discusses the serious issue of chronic wasting disease (CWD) affecting wildlife in North America and the role of genomics in understanding and managing wildlife health. Kaylee shares insights into her work in genomics and the importance of understanding animal populations for effective wildlife management. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding genetic susceptib...

In this episode, Blayne Prowse shares his experiences living on Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago in British Columbia. He discusses his journey into archery and arrow making, his childhood experiences with hunting and foraging, and the importance of sustainable living. Blayne also reflects on the challenges of running a small business, the dynamics of community life, and the impact of regulations...

Lindsay Thomas Jr., Chief Communications Manager for the National Deer Association is on the show to explore the complex dynamics between whitetail deer populations and endangered caribou in North America. The dialogue emphasizes the need for responsible management practices to ensure ecological balance and the future of deer populations amidst changing environmental conditions. In this conversati...

Chris Everett reflects on the life and legacy of Robert Sopuck, a former Manitoba MP known for his dedication to conservation, rural life, and the hunting community. Chris discusses Bob's impact on wildlife management, his advocacy in politics, and the personal stories that highlight his connection to the community. Chris shares insights into Bob's unapologetic advocacy for the outdoor lifestyle a...

In this episode Mark & Dana cover the First Nation bison hunt in Banff National Park, a bison poaching case in Manitoba, the expansion of dog training pens in Ontario, the cancelation of California Bighorn Sheep disease monitoring program in BC, a pilot elk hunt in Saskatchewan and the BC grizzly bear class action lawsuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Scott Ellis, CEO of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia discusses the upcoming BC election and its implications for wildlife management and hunting in the province. The conversation explores the economic impact of hunting, the role of guide outfitters, and the challenges faced by the outfitting industry, including the cancellation of the grizzly bear hunt. The con...

Peter Gibbon, host of the Outdoor Gibbon Podcast joins Dana to share his journey into hunting, starting from a non-hunting background and eventually becoming a passionate deer stalker in Scotland. He talks about his efforts to mentor and introduce new hunters to the sport. Peter shares his experiences of hunting in Ireland and the importance of mentoring and teaching others about hunting. He also...

This special episode explores the important conservation leaders in Canada's history and their contributions to hunting and conservation. The giants in Canadian conservation include Sir Clifford Sifton, Jack Miner, Charles Gordon Hewitt, Ian McTaggart Cowan, and Valerius Geist. These individuals played pivotal roles in establishing science-based wildlife management policies, creating bird sanctuar...

Mark Ryckman from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and Bryce Bekar from the Yukon Fish & Game Association join Mark and Curtis to talk about elk. This conversation explores the fascinating history, status, and prospects of elk populations in North America, focusing on two distinct regions: Ontario and the Yukon. The episode highlights the evolutionary background of elk, the complexiti...

In this episode Doug and Mark discuss insights from the International Fur Federation conference, the recycling of black bear fur hat issue of the Royal Guard and the importance of predator control in caribou recovery. The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptive management and the impact of human activity on wildlife dynamics, ultimately advocating for the role of trappers as essential contribu...

Rod Clapton, president of the BC Federation of Drift Fishers, discusses his passion for bar fishing and conservation in the Lower Fraser River. He highlights the accessibility and minimal cost of bar fishing, which has been practiced for generations. Rod also emphasizes the need for equitable treatment and access to the resource for all Canadians, while recognizing the constitutionally protected r...

The final chapter in this series explores the challenges of balancing Indigenous hunting and non-indigenous hunting rights in Canada. It discusses the importance of hunting for food security and the role of hunting in Indigenous cultures. The conversation also delves into the legal framework surrounding Indigenous hunting rights, including treaties and Supreme Court decisions. It highlights the co...

Dr. Peter Larsen and Marc Schwabenlander are on the show to discuss the leading of Chronic wasting disease (CWD) science being conducted to understand the disease's impact on wildlife, humans, and the environment. Peter and Marc discuss the various species of cervids know affected by CWD, the different strains of the disease, whether CWD can be transported in water and the research on the transmis...

Chapter 2, The Awakening: This chapter explores the awakening of conservation efforts in Canada as awareness grew about the impacts of market hunting. Laws were enacted to regulate hunting and protect wildlife. Attitudes towards conservation changed and efforts were made to end commercial hunting. The chapter also discusses the remarkable tale of how Canada acquired the last bison herd from the Un...

In this episode Mark & Dana discuss the impact of moose hunting and management in Manitoba. The conversation also touches on the conflict between First Nations and Métis harvesting rights in Northern Manitoba and the potential implications of the growing grizzly bear population on Vancouver Island. They explore the impact of government decisions on outfitters' businesses and the allocation of moos...

In this episode, Bart George is on the show to discuss cougars, their ecology, and management. Bart shares his experience working on a research project that aimed to deter cougars from human-populated areas using non-lethal methods. Bart also discusses the importance of science in wildlife management and the need for proactive approaches to cougar depredations. The episode covers cougar hunting, t...