Through the Gates

In Episode 70 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Mark Lamm, former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Area Wildlife Manager with 39 years of on-the-ground experience stewarding Colorado’s wildlife, habitat, and public lands. Mark’s career spanned duties as a district wildlife manager, area wildlife manager, mentor to younger officers, and a leading voice for practical, science-based wildlife co...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan takes listeners inside Colorado’s Furbearer Management Working Group — where the growing divide between science-based wildlife management and emotional, anti-hunting ideology is on full display. He breaks down how certain activist organizations are pushing to shift Colorado’s wildlife policies away from ecosystem-level conservation toward the protection of...

In this Through the Gates update, Dan breaks down the latest in Colorado’s wildlife politics—from the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission meeting and fur-bearer regulations to the future of bison, wolverine and beaver management. He shares why science-based wildlife management matters more than ever and exposes how emotion-driven policy threatens the North American Model of Conservation. We'r...

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with his counterpart in the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project , Gaspar Perricone, to peel the curtain on the intricacies of wildlife policies. This episode provides valuable insight into the process and procedures of wildlife policy making from the commission through the legislature and ballot initiatives. Get educated on the proc...

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmt7lFtTKh0&list=PLVjalEoOauqM3xLSHrq3FO680x-XriQcD&index=1 Join Dan Gates on this unique episode of Through the Gates Podcast as he visits the Museum of the Fur Trade. Dan is joined by museum Director NaKaya Fester who discusses the story of the museum, history of the fur trade and how modern fur trade contributes to responsib...

First and Foremost Mike Sells is a trapper and we're lucky to be able to share his life story from running away from home, learning how to trap, becoming an influence in the industry all while balancing his job as a game warden. His story spans decades of dedication to wildlife management, trapping traditions, and defending the North American Model against extremist agendas. Hear firsthand stories...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Caitlyn Taussig to dig deep into the crossroads of agriculture, wildlife management and ever growing Urban/Rural Divide. Dan and Caitlyn discuss how it’s impacting rural communities, ranching families, and the future of wildlife management. We explore the growing urban–rural divide, misunderstandings between Front Range residents and Western S...

Get your calendar today!  https://markitmyway.chipply.com/crwm/product-detail-shell.aspx?pid=18789292&eid=355074&cid=2151159&lastaction=viewall While you're out in the woods pursuing your passion, remember that Dan Gates and the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management continue to fight for your ability to do so. Fresh off another Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting Da...

In this update episode of Through the Gates, we kick things off by announcing the Women of Conservation Calendar — celebrating the women who helped defeat Proposition 127 and continue to defend Colorado’s wildlife heritage. Then we dive into critical updates ahead of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on October 9th, covering agenda items like bison management, wolf depredation com...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Jessica Whitaker, a young female hunter who proves that you don’t have to be “born into it” to make an impact. From her first hunts to becoming an outspoken advocate at rallies, banquets, and wildlife commission meetings, Jessica’s journey shows how new hunters—especially women—are reshaping the future of conservation. Jessica shares candidly...

In this hard-hitting episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down his ongoing efforts to continue to Save the Hunt. The relentless political battles shaping Colorado’s future, from ballot-box biology to rewilding agendas, Gates exposes the intent of animal rights extremists and their full fledged assualt on wildilfe management at the legislature, CPW Commission and appointments are setting...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates introduces CRWM contributor Adam Welborn to relive an unforgettable sheep and caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories—a true dream hunt made possible by years of planning, research, and sacrifice. But this episode is more than just hunting stories. Adam sits down with Outfitter Clay Lancaster to discuss conservation, wildlife management, and the gl...

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with Loren Shragg of Good Bull Outdoors/Good Bull Guided to dig into wildlife photography, education about wildlife management and internet censorship. From behind-the-scenes stories of photographing elk, moose, and deer in Rocky Mountain National Park to the political chaos of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction, this episode pulls no punc...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Veronica Yovovich, Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist with CSU Extension, to tackle one of the most pressing issues in Colorado today: the impacts of wolf reintroduction by ballot box biology. From working directly with livestock producers to navigating the fallout of Proposition 114, Veronica shares insight into the challenges ranchers face,...

In Episode 56 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Patt Dorsey, former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leader and current Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). With decades of experience at the intersection of wildlife biology, policy, and public engagement, Patt shares valuable insight into the challenges of managing Colorado’s wildlife amid political and social pr...

In Episode 55 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Teller County Sheriff and CO Governor Candidate Jason Mikesell to break down the political forces shaping Colorado’s future. This conversation digs into the reality of ballot-box biology, rural vs. urban divides, and the growing influence of Denver politics on communities across the state. We explore how decisions at the Capitol and by appointed...

In Episode 54 of Through the Gates, we dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Colorado’s outfitters and guides. From navigating shifting wildlife policies to ensuring fair access for hunters and landowners, this conversation highlights the critical role outfitters play in both conservation and Colorado’s outdoor economy. Guests break down how ballot-box biology, shifting regulations, an...

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates speaks with John Aliss of United Houndsmen of Colorado and Austin Parr of Discount Fishing Tackle about the latest challenges facing hunters, anglers, and conservationists at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. From debates on live bait bans, fur-bearing animals, and beaver management groups, to broader issues like rewilding, eminent dom...

After a short update about wolf legislation, beaver and fur bearer working groups and the continued undermining efforts of the anti-hunters we jump back to the 2025 Outdoorsman Days event where Dan had the opportunity to sit downed with Fred Eichler and Ralph Cianciarulo. Fred Eichler highlights the importance of passing down traditions, building community, and ensuring that wildlife management st...

In Episode 51 of Through the Gates, we head to the Furtakers of America Convention in Spencer, Iowa to uncover the challenges hunters, trappers, and conservationists are facing as politics, activism, and ballot-box biology threaten the future of wildlife management. Dan meets with Paul Antczak, Bret Bohn and Ivy O’Guinn - stars of the History Channel series "Mountain Men," as well as Iowa DNR cons...

Celebrate the first 50 episodes of the Through the Gates podcast with producer Sean Ender as look back at some of our featured guests and their stories of conservation, wildlife management, hunting adventures and more. This compilation celebrates our accomplishments with the show thus far as we look to expand upon the relationships we've built and set ourselves up for success in our ongoing effort...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Shorty Gorham, world-renowned PBR bullfighter and proud advocate for science-based wildlife conservation. From 27 years in the arena to the dedicated life of a houndsman, Shorty shares an unfiltered look at his lifestyle, commitment,  and the grit behind protecting bull riders and the hunting tradition. We cover: - His rise in Professional Bul...

In this emotional and brutally honest episode of Through the Gates , host Dan Gates sits down with Colorado ranchers Nikki Day and Amanda Cerveny  as they share what really happened after the Copper Creek Pack of wolves were secretly dropped near their homes in Pitkin County . These aren't activists. These are mothers, wives, and land stewards living with the consequences of ballot box biology , a...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates delivers a critical update on Colorado’s ongoing wildlife policy battles—including an inside look at the fur bearer working group and the rising influence of animal rights extremists in shaping wildlife regulations. With Amendment 14 already limiting science-based tools for wildlife management, new petitions now threaten to ban the sale and use of al...

In this episode of Through the Gates , Dan Gates is joined by two veterans of wildlife policy in Colorado—former CPW Commission Chair John Howard and longtime wildlife professional Dean Riggs —for a deep dive into the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation . They share decades of field and policy experience to help listeners understand what’s at stake: how ballot initiatives, shifting polit...