The guys bring you two episodes in one to discuss the policy and science of using traditional lead ammunition and alternatives. Episode 1 features ballistics and ammunition expert Ryan Bronson discussing the use of traditional lead ammunition. Episode 2 features Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Non-Lead Partnership discussing non-lead alternatives. Spoiler: everyone agrees there is no need to further regulate lead ammunition, but there's still a lot to unpack here. Enjoy the d...
Feb 04, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 82
The guys discuss the origin and meaning of the term "Green Decoy." Are there nefarious operatives in our midst? Are some of the most popular hunting organizations in the United States just Trojan horses for "extreme environmentalists?" Can hunters and anglers call themselves environmentalists? Is there a simple test for determining whether someone represents a legitimate hunting or angling organization? These questions, and many more are answered during this entertaining episode.
Jan 28, 2020•51 min•Ep. 81
Dave and Nephi plead for Mike's return, but are forced to record without him once again. They discuss ballot initiatives, and how they are used as a tool to limit and outright ban hunting. Topics include: the history of the North American Model; constitutional rights to hunt and fish; wolf reintroduction by ballot measure in Colorado; wolves in Wyoming; the use of ballot initiatives to ban or restrict trapping, bear hunting, and mountain lion hunting; what hunters should do about it; and more!...
Jan 21, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 80
Dave and Nephi look back on some of the issues they covered in 2019, provide a few updates, and give a sneak peek into topics they intend to cover in 2020. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great introduction to what we are all about, and why it's worth giving us a listen. If you're a longtime listener, there's something for you too. Check out the episode, and then tell us what topics you want us to cover in 2020 by emailing us at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com . Thanks for listening!...
Jan 14, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 79
Joel Webster, Director of the Center for Western Lands of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership joins Dave and Nephi to talk about public land access. Specifically, they discuss TRCP's work with OnX to identify and map the 6.35 million acres of public lands in the West that have no permanent, public access. Topics include: the history of TRCP; the importance of access to the future of hunting; corner crossing; successful existing access partnerships with landowners; ideas for increasin...
Jan 07, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 78
Lindsay Layland, Deputy Director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay, joins the guys to talk everything Pebble mine. Topics include: the geography and fishery of Bristol Bay; history of the proposed Pebble mine; a description of the project; concerns about the project; why being anti-Pebble mine doesn't mean being anti-mining; recent opinions from the EPA and Department of Interior; project timing; and more. If you've ever wondered what Pebble mine is and why you should care, this is the episode...
Dec 17, 2019•53 min•Ep. 77
The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 provides critical funding to state wildlife agencies (paid by hunters and recreational shooters) to manage wildlife. Last week, two bills passed the House Natural Resources Committee that would amend the Pittman-Robertson Act to help recruit new hunters and provide more resources to state wildlife agencies to manage wildlife and habitat. The guys tell you all about the bills, and the steps remaining before they become law.
Dec 10, 2019•49 min•Ep. 76
Hunters are on the decline nationwide, which means so is funding for wildlife management. The guys talk about how to fund the future of wildlife management. Topics covered include: state and federal funding efforts; why non-consumptive user really means non-contributory user; why hunters need non-hunters; the need for non-hunters to contribute to wildlife management; and more. We get a little philosophical and a lot less wonky in this one. Hope you'll tune in!
Dec 03, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 75
Dave and Nephi sit down to discuss several policies and laws that get in the way of your hunting, and also what grizzly bear management in the lower-48 might look like under a special ESA provision called a 4(d) Rule. Enjoy.
Nov 26, 2019•55 min•Ep. 74
Mike and Nephi get together to discuss the recent developments in Pennsylvania over Sunday hunting. They cover the changes that have occurred since the last podcast on the issue and discuss the process the legislation went through to get to the Governor's desk. Enjoy the short and sweet breakdown.
Nov 19, 2019•21 min•Ep. 73
The Trump administration is seeking comment on a proposal to exempt Alaska's Tongass National Forest from the Clinton administration's Roadless Rule. What does this mean? The guys explain. They also provide an overview of the the regional economy, geography, biology, and regulatory overlay of the Tongass. And as always, they cut through the hyperbole and let you know what could happen, and when.
Nov 12, 2019•54 min•Ep. 72
The guys talk all things hunting and hunting policy with Safari Club International's Cyrus Baird and Ben Cassidy. They discuss the role of Safari Club; Ben's experience at the Department of Interior; status of the CECIL Act (trophy import ban); silly season in Congress; protecting state's and hunter's rights; value of hunting competitions; the need for hunters to unite; litigation as a tool; hunters playing offense instead of defense; Ben and Cyrus's mountain; and more.
Nov 05, 2019•54 min•Ep. 71
After a short break to go hunting, the guys check back in to share some hunting stories from this fall and discuss the multi-dimensional issues surrounding federal oil and gas leasing in migration corridors. The guys discuss what federal leasing means and debate whether it will lead to development. Enjoy.
Oct 29, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 70
Dave and Nephi visit with Jon Zinnel, Federal Premium's Conservation and Youth Shooting Sports Director. They talk all things Federal, including: innovation in the ammunition industry, why you should care about the shooting sports, youth shooting programs, what makes up a wildlife agency budget, impediments to recruiting youth hunters, the need to invest in conversation, Jon's Mountain, and more.
Oct 01, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 69
Mike and Nephi break down the recent action to repeal the Waters of the United States regulation established during the Obama administration, but first give the historic context to understand what is going on. They take a dry subject and filter out the noise so you can be informed around the water cooler. Enjoy.
Sep 24, 2019•47 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, Dave and Mike want to hear from you! They quickly run through 10 current events in natural resource law and policy that you need to know. Then they ask you to let them know which ones deserve a dedicated episode. This is your chance to weigh in on the next several episodes of the podcast, so take a listen and then email your suggestions to yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com or connect via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at the handle @itsyourmountain....
Sep 17, 2019•54 min•Ep. 67
Dave and Mike visit with US Senate Budget Committee Chairman, Mike Enzi (R-WY). They discuss his decision to enter politics; his early career; the Interstate Transport Act of 2019; pack rafting in Yellowstone; the Land and Water Conservation Fund; the difference between the budget and appropriations; whether the President's budget matters; getting money to projects on the ground; how the public should advocate with the Senate; Sen. Enzi's experiences as a hunter/angler; his Mountain; and more....
Sep 10, 2019•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 66
Matt Hoobler of Pathfinder Ranches continues his conversation with the guys that began in episode 0064. They pick up right were they left off, and dive right into the Wyoming moose hunt that Dave and Matt shared. Lots of lessons in this episode. They cover: treating wounds in the field, navigating in the dark without a headlamp, processing meat properly, moose introduction in Colorado, coyotes, and the misery of packing out a moose cape. Matt even cooks up something special for the guys. This ep...
Sep 03, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 65
Matt Hoobler of Pathfinder Ranches joins the guys to talk about his business of sage grouse conservation banking. They discuss how conservation banks work, grazing benefitting habitat, youth hunting programs, Dave turning 40, pranks on friends, and a primer on an epic moose hunt. You won’t want to miss this episode.
Aug 27, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 64
National media headlines would lead one to believe that the Trump administration just significantly weakened the Endangered Species Act. Did they? They guys dissect the recent amendments to the implementing regulations, and lay out both the positives and negatives of the changes. They also get philosophical about partisanship, and Nephi dishes some compliments. So, is the sky falling? Are species destined to falter? You'll have to listen to find out.
Aug 20, 2019•58 min•Ep. 63
Join Dave as he visits with Chris Tymeson - chief legal counsel for Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. They discuss the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, being a wildlife attorney, fishing for wipers, public private partnerships, and everything you want to know about Kansas wildlife.
Aug 13, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 62
Dave and Nephi address the controversial appointment of attorney William Perry Pendley to the highest post at the BLM. Is there cause for alarm? Are public lands really in jeopardy of being sold to the highest bidder? They tackle these questions, discuss the legal framework of public lands and the process for disposition of federal lands. They also discuss the importance of understanding alternative points of view to better resolve conflict.
Aug 06, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 61
Dave and Nephi wax philosophical with TV host, podcaster, author and self-guided public land hunting advocate Randy Newberg. Join the conversation about Randy’s evolution from hunting as a kid to being a major public voice for conservation on public lands. From managing the land, to managing for species such as wolves and grizzly bears, this episode covers a lot of ground. Enjoy.
Jul 30, 2019•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 60
The guys discuss a new grizzly bear lawsuit (not about Wyoming grizzlies); a bill in Congress that would forever prohibit grizzly bear hunting; and a bill that would ban the importation of many species of African wildlife into the United States. Dave also shares a story from his private legal practice, and Dave and Mike plan their fall deer hunt. True edutainment in this episode! Listen and subscribe!
Jul 23, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 59
Your Mountain sits down with John Burns, the "Godfather" of Long Range, former host on Sportsmen's Channel and Shooting Beyond Belief. Listen as we discuss legislation on the use of technology in hunting, Mountain Pursuit's 400/50 challenge, Boone and Crockett Club's position on Long Range Hunting, how an individual can find their own proverbial line in the sand, can you really buy your way in, and more.
Jul 17, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 58
Dave and Nephi take a deep dive into the current status of wolves in the United States. They discuss: the new US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to delist wolves nationwide; the legal definition of distinct population segments; hunting wolves; reintroducing wolves in Colorado; the value of state management; current wolf populations; and more. They leave a lot on the table too, so watch for future episodes on the topic!
Jul 09, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 57
What do Gerrymandering and Census citizenship questions have to do with decisions relating to land, water, and wildlife? The guys will break-down two recent US Supreme Court decisions, and discuss the nuances that could make their way into the natural resources arena. You also learn where the genesis of the term, "Gerrymandering"; a little about Mike and Dave's recent camping experience; and why Nephi was recently in Minnesota. Get ready to wonk out!
Jul 02, 2019•43 min•Ep. 56
Jake McGuigan of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) joins the guys to talk NSSF and Sunday hunting laws, i.e. Blue Laws. Topics include: SHOT Show; the difference between NSSF and NRA; history of blue laws; a break down of the recent movement of a Sunday hunting bill in Pennsylvania; the policy reasons to support Sunday hunting; how to get involved; a tally of Nephi's verbal tick; and more.
Jun 25, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 55
Several Montana sporting and conservation groups recently sued the Forest Service over a lack of access to Montana's Crazy Mountains. The guys go through some of the background of the issue, describe the legal concept of prescriptive easements, and provide an introduction to the arguments raised in the lawsuit. Stay tuned for more detail in future episodes. They also give an update on the Herrera v Wyoming case. Take a listen.
Jun 18, 2019•52 min•Ep. 54
The trio of Dave, Mike, and Nephi are all together in one spot to announce the winner of the gun giveaway. Plus the guys take time to relax and share the hunting tips they have acquired through time and experience (and tears for some). From Nephi's love of the best gear to Dave's frugal repurposing beyond just trash bags, to Mike's backpack full of individually separated, yet heavy stuff. The guys dial back the wonk and up the fun. Enjoy.
Jun 11, 2019•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 53