In Behind The Lens I have the privilege of getting into the heads of some incredible creatives. From filmmakers to designers and writers, we hear the stories behind the stories. In this episode, I am joined by Tito West, Art Director of Modern Huntsman, and Ellias Carlson the driving force behind the design of the publication. We get into their minds by looking at two stories published in volume 5. If you want to get a sneak peek at the articles we are talking about, head over to the Modern Hunt...
Jul 15, 2020•26 min•Ep. 153
My interview today is with Catherine E. Semcer, a research fellow at the Property and Environment Research Centre. Most of her work there focuses on rights and market-based solutions to policy challenges in environmental security, conservation finance and sustainability. This really is a deep dive into the cogs which make conservation work, and by cogs, I mean how we fund conservation. We look at the interplay between private and public land ownership, how these models work and the complexities ...
Jul 09, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 152
In this episode, I talk with Jess Johnston about the recent headlines seen around the world, highlighting the legislative changes in Alaska which would allow for the hunting of bear cubs and wolf pups in dens. This was obviously met by a widespread outcry against the move. However, as we always try to do on the podcast, I was keen to take a step back and really understand what had happened. The same day the news broke I called Jess to get more information, which sent her down a rabbit warren for...
Jul 02, 2020•36 min•Ep. 151
This is an eye-opening discussion to the very heart of what makes conservation work. Dr Amy Dickman is a Caplan Senior Research Fellow at Felid Conservation in the Department of Zoology at Oxford University, as well as sitting on the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, so much of our chat centres around her work with big cats, but we dig deep into how conservation can be made sustainable in the long term, as well as the complexities of human-wildlife conflict, and the common insensitivity of conservation...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 150
Welcome to the into ITW podcast, and our monthly series Behind The Lens, where I speak to photographers, filmmakers and creatives from around the world about breathtaking imagery and film, and the stories behind them. In keeping with the nature of this podcast, much of these conversations are focused around the intersection between wildlife and humans, but occasionally we will expand outside this realm looking at expeditions, human conflict, and social struggle. In this show, I speak to Derek Ma...
Jun 18, 2020•33 min•Ep. 149
I sit down with Merlin Becker, who previously worked for the GWCT at their model research farm in Scotland. We discuss methods of sustainable land management tackling a wide spectrum of topics: from the Otterburn research project to the use of fire for ecological sustainability; we delve into the crossover between traditional knowledge and science and talk through the new hare counting methodology, curlew conservation and raven control. More information on papers mentioned in this show can be fo...
Jun 11, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 148
In this week's show, digging into the science of conservation, we look at the environmental issue of mercury in our oceans. Speaking with Professor Yanxu Zhang, we discuss how mercury gets into our atmosphere eventually becoming the bioaccumulative toxin methyl mercury, and this impacts oceanic food webs ending with human consumption. For full show notes visit: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/intothewildernesspodcast Support the show at patreon.com/pacebrothers...
Jun 04, 2020•22 min•Ep. 147
Oh my, what an amazing conversation. I chat with filmmaker Ryan Youngblood as we journey through just a little bit of his life and career. From hunting and conservation in the Central African Republic, to working in India, Nepal, Tanzania, DRC, to dodging bullets and bombs in Iraq, you will be left in awe of what this guy has done. You will also hear me talk for the first time about an elephant charge last year, and we both discuss the moral conflict of documentary film making and the considerat...
May 28, 2020•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 146
Joined this episode by the extraordinarily talented film director and photographer Max Lowe, we start by discussing his current film project: a documentary of his families story in a way never exposed before. Then, we take a behind the scenes dive into some of his recent fine art prints on the Modern Huntsman website. From polar bears to bison, the highest mountain on earth to the most southerly landmass on the planet, it's an audio expedition around the world. To see the images: https://modernh...
May 21, 2020•32 min•Ep. 145
I am joined by Conor Knighton, who has just released his book Leave Only Footprints, chronicling his journey of discovery through the National Parks of North American. After learning about his background in TV, we dig into the origins of the National Parks, starting with John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt, and go onto discuss bison, hunting caribou, the rare pupfish, the recovery of the channel island fox populations and speculate as to why people move to Alaska. It is a story of self-discovery as mu...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 144
We dive into the complex world of marine management and conservation, discussing fish stock declines with Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Daniel Skerritt, from the Fisheries Economics Research Unit at the University of British Columbia. We talk about the role of science and how society values resources; critical elements for successful conservation outcomes. Visit www.thepacebrothers.com for more information and links.
May 11, 2020•31 min•Ep. 143
This week we go trophy hunting with a scientist. Well, not really, but we certainly dig into the complex nature of conservation, and discuss the realities implementing mechanisms for environmental protection in Africa, and discuss if trophy hunting can play a role in this. What are the alternatives and what does the science tell us? Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/pacebrothers Podcast partner: www.modernhuntsman.com Professor Adam Hart on Twitter: @adamhartscience More info: www.the...
Apr 30, 2020•45 min•Ep. 142
In an introduction to a new series, taking a behind the scenes look at images, film and writing, with the creatives who made them happen, Byron Pace sits down with Tyler Sharp and Tito West. This honest, reflective discussion presents what we see in a new light. Podcast partner: www.modernhuntsman.com Print shop: https://modernhuntsman.com/print-shop Visit: www.thepacebrothers.com Support on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pacebrothers...
Apr 17, 2020•37 min•Ep. 141
Pulling in interviews with multiple guests, I dig into the great lead debate. Some weeks back the UK shooting organisations announced a planned phase-out of lead ammo for shotguns within the next five years. The backlash was swift, but what is the truth and what does the science say? I chat with avian vet Tom Dutton, falconer Roy Lupton, Vintage gun specialist Diggory Haddoke, Danish hunter David CP, Dan Reynolds from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, and hear from Professor...
Apr 16, 2020•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 140
Ross Ewing joins me from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation to discuss the current support available for the shooting industry in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the Scottish Government have excluded all support for businesses involved in shooting and fishing. More info: https://basc.org.uk/ www.thepacebrothers.com
Apr 09, 2020•15 min•Ep. 139
With Modern Huntsman launching two initiatives to help people during this time of crisis, Editor in Chief, Tyler Sharp, joins me on this week show to talk about establishing the Freelancer Fund, and a joint initiative to help Mystery Ranch fund medical mask production. We also find time to discuss the upcoming publication of volume 5, with a sneak preview into what you can expect. For more info visit: www.modernhuntsman.com www.thepacebrothers.com...
Apr 09, 2020•24 min•Ep. 138
Renowned British explorer, Levison Wood comes back on the show to talk about his new book, The Last Giants, chronicling the evolution and history of elephants, examining the challenges they face today through poaching, terrorism and land-use changes in Africa. We also find time to talk about how he is using his current time in isolation and shed some light on his photography process as a Leica Pro-Photographer. Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-giants/levison-wood/9781529381122 www...
Apr 02, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 137
Welcome to ITW shorts, the first in a new series of short shows, diving into the world of wildlife science and conservation. We are escaping today, in our minds at least, to the coast of British Columbia, to the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. I pick up a story with Dr Jason Goldman, looking at the re-introduction of expatriated wild sea-otters, and the implications of their return on local communities and the eco-system. Article: https://www.biographic.com/restoring-harmony-in-haida-gwaii/ Jason Go...
Mar 26, 2020•14 min•Ep. 136
With heated debate on the deer working group report, and a potential sweeping shift in how we manage the Scottish landscape for deer, I am joined by ecologist Dr Linzi Seivwright, who has worked closely with local deer management groups over a number of years. Discussion drifts to cover other projects she has worked on, as we talk about grouse population cycles, kinship theory, the climate emergency, woodland restoration, temporal displacement of populations, and the need to have a landscape-sca...
Mar 19, 2020•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 135
I speak with the only full-time gamekeeper in Northern Ireland, Alex Rodgers, about an ambitious project to restore a moorland to its historic, thriving state. Recent winners of the gold Purdey Award for conservation, Alex works for the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust, involved in an array of research with collaborating NGOs and scientists to determine the long term conservation of these upland areas in a way which protects the eco-system, and allows wildlife to thrive alongside humans. Buy volu...
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 134
We deep drive into fluvial systems, naturalisation, integrated catchment management and all things related to the conservation of our waterways. I am joined by Dr Rebecca Wade, senior lecturer in environmental sciences at Abertay University. We hear about her journey in the sciences and work in North America, and how knowledge in urban restoration is being applied to rural rivers systems here in Scotland. We cover the importance of nature and the great outdoors for our health, green prescription...
Feb 21, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 133
From a snowy Montana, we interview Ben O. Williams, a legend in upland bird hunting, and author of numerous books. From Yellowstone biologist to his long career as a teacher, we hear about his love of fish and fishing, as well as his affection for Brittany spaniels. Our discussion spans from the imperilled sagebrush habitat to his role in Trout Unlimited and the designation of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area. A wonderful interview with a fascinating man. Ben's books: https://www.amazon.com/Ben-O...
Feb 06, 2020•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 132
May Van Rossum, the longest-serving River Keeper in the nation, joins us for a fascinating conversation around environmental protection; from river systems to fracking, and living in a more environmentally conscious way. Maya is an environmental attorney and founded the green amendment movement. Her book is available on Amazon: The Green Amendment: Securing our right to a healthy environment. https://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/ Buy volume 4 now: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/the-modern-huntsm...
Jan 22, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 131
The first show of 2020, we have Sam Thompson back on. Deer Stalker, manager, all-round good guy and a listener favourite. We tackle a New Year Q&A before chatting through some of the issues ahead, including the consultation to ban the import of 'trophy animals'. We also chat about books and films, fuelled by beer and chocolate. What is not to like? Buy volume 4 now: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/the-modern-huntsman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pace_brothers/ Email: podcast@paceproduct...
Jan 12, 2020•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 130
In a slight departure from our normal format, we are ending 2019 with a podcast recorded in the field with Chris Conroy, Director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board. Detailing the River Garry restoration project, we join the team as they process reared wild salmon, genetically sampled and separated, ready for the next stage of the project. Buy volume 4 now: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/the-modern-huntsman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pace_brothers/ Email: podcast@paceproductio...
Dec 19, 2019•33 min•Ep. 129
From the depths of Montana, we sit down with Nicole Qualtieri at Modern Huntsman HQ. Joined by Tyler Sharp, we talk with Nicole about her role as guest Editor-in-Chief for volume 4, the Women’s Issue. Recounting her journey into hunting, and discussing the important role woman play in the hunting narrative, it’s a fun-filled, beer and whisky fuelled show with plenty of laughs among the serious points made. Buy volume 4 now: https://www.thepacebrothers.com/the-modern-huntsman Nicole's Instagram: ...
Dec 06, 2019•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 128
Corin Smith is back on the show to catch us up on the State of Salmon farming, in Scotland and globally. We look at the role of recreational fishing in conservation, whether current scientific studies are helping put fish back in our rivers, and the challenges facing the salmon farming industry. We also chat about Patagonia’s new film Artificial, and the lessons learnt from touring it around Europe. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pace_brothers/ [email protected] www.thepacebro...
Nov 21, 2019•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 127
Valentine Thomas is known as a spearsfisher and proponent of ocean conservation but previously found herself as a certified lawyer and in Canada, before moving to London to work in finance. Searching for a life path which fulfilled her inner desires, she found spear fishing. Now as an accomplished and published chef, guide and free dive instructor, she finds herself being asked to Ted Talks and some of the biggest platforms on the planet, including the Joe Rogan podcast. Valentine also features ...
Nov 07, 2019•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 126
Back on the show again, we sit down with ecologist, storyteller and film-maker, Charles Post. As the ecology editor of Modern Huntsman, he tells us about his contribution to volume four, the Woman’s issue, focused on two incredible biologists working with bighorn sheep recovery. We then dive into Salmon conservation, plastics in the ocean and our role in tackling climate change. [email protected] www.thepacebrothers.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/pacebrothers Podcast partner: ...
Oct 24, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 125
Recorded in Montana at the Modern Huntsman HQ, we sit down with Jess Johnson, guest editor of volume 4 and legislative liaison and advocacy coordinator at the Wyoming & Wildlife Federation. She gives us an oversight on her contribution to the next issue, before digging deep into how we facilitate change for the betterment of our land and wildlife in a world where this seems increasingly difficult. Jess also talks to the creation of Artemis Sportswoman, and how the landscape is changing when it c...
Oct 10, 2019•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 124