In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation sit down with Charles Whitwam, Founder and President of Howl for Wildlife. Charles traces the origin of Howl to a grassroots effort he organized with co-founder John Stallone to stop a California Senate bill that would have eliminated black bear hunting in the state. The rapid success of that campaign, fueled by hunters mobilizing nationally, not just locally, convinced him that the hunting community desperately needed a permanent, tech-driven infrastructure to match the organizational sophistication of anti-hunting groups. Launched four years ago, Howl for Wildlife has since built an action platform that generates personalized, AI-assisted messages to legislators and commissioners, moving well beyond the form letters that legislative staffers have learned to ignore. Charles explains how that same model helped hunters show up in force, over 400 strong, to a recent Colorado wildlife commission meeting, and why he believes face-to-face engagement with non-hunters in everyday settings is ultimately more powerful than any digital campaign.The conversation takes a deep dive into the Catalina Island mule deer controversy and Howl's documentary film Killing Catalina, which has surpassed 200,000 YouTube views in its first 40 days. Charles details how he became skeptical of the Catalina Island Conservancy's plan to eradicate all deer on the island using sharpshooters from helicopters. He deployed thermal drones to survey actual deer densities and uncovered significant inconsistencies between the Conservancy's claimed management programs and what the island's outfitter, fired after 26 years, reported actually happened on the ground. The episode closes with a powerful message about coalition-building: the Catalina fight has united hunters, LA County supervisors, social media influencers, and even a representative of the Catalina Humane Society, all calling for ethical hunting as the management solution over eradication and waste.FOR MORE INFORMATION:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://conservationstewards.orgHowl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.orgHowl for Wildlife on social media: @howl_orgKilling Catalina Documentary: https://www.howlforwildlife.org#wildlifeconservation #HowlForWildlife #KillingCatalina #catalinaisland #muledeer #HunterAdvocacy #ballotboxbiology #sciencebasedmanagement #wildlifemanagement #HuntingRights #NorthAmericanConservationModel #conservationstorytelling #outdoorpodcast #huntingcommunity #WildlifePolicy #huntersforconservation #CaliforniaHunting #PublicTrustDoctrine #WildlifeAdvocacy #antipoaching #outdoorstewards #HuntingAndConservation #wildlifemanagementinstitute #ConservationStewards #HowlPack

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation sit down with Shane Meisel, President of Christensen Arms — the Utah-based company that pioneered carbon fiber rifle barrels in 1995 and has grown into one of America's premier precision rifle manufacturers with approximately 200 employees. Shane traces his career from early outdoor experiences outside Eugene, Oregon through 11 years at Leupold — where he rose to head of marketing — followed by a stint as president of Field Ethos Journal, before landing at Christensen Arms. The conversation covers what carbon fiber does for a hunting rifle (weight reduction without sacrificing rigidity or accuracy), why a sub-6-pound mountain rifle is a game changer for backcountry hunters, and how Christensen Arms has expanded beyond its bolt-action roots into carbon fiber stocks, MSR platforms, and a new walnut-stocked safari line in 375 H&H.The episode takes a deeper look at the financial backbone of American wildlife conservation — specifically the Pittman-Robertson excise tax, which requires firearms and ammunition manufacturers to contribute 11% of revenue to conservation funding. Shane and the hosts connect that tax directly to the $1 billion annually that flows from the firearms and ammunition industry into state wildlife agencies, alongside another $1 billion from hunting license sales. Jon shares the origin story of the Wildlife Management Institute, founded in 1911 by the firearms industry precisely because manufacturers understood that without healthy wildlife populations, there would be no hunters to sell to. The group also discusses Christensen Arms' conservation partnerships with organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Safari Club International, and Ducks Unlimited.The conversation rounds out with a look at emerging trends in the firearms industry — ammunition and caliber innovation, suppressor growth and potential NFA reform, the modern sporting rifle market, and the troubling rise of ballot-box biology in states like Oregon and Colorado where anti-hunting initiatives bypass the science-based wildlife management system entirely. Shane and the hosts agree that lowering barriers to entry for new hunters and shooters — access to land, tags, ranges, and education — is as important to the future of conservation funding as any policy fight.FOR MORE INFORMATION:_____________________Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://conservationstewards.orgChristensen Arms: https://www.christensenarms.com--------------------------------------------------#wildlifeconservation #ChristensenArms #CarbonFiberRifle #pittmanrobertson #conservationfunding #huntingindustry #precisionrifleseries #FirearmsInnovation #boltactionrifle #mountainhunting #huntersforconservation #NorthAmericanConservationModel #wildlifemanagement #outdoorindustry #longrangeshooting #Suppressors #HuntingAndShooting #RMEF #MuleDeerFoundation #ducksunlimited #outdoorpodcast #BallotBoxBiology #wildlifemanagementinstitute #ConservationStewards #ScienceBasedManagement

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation sit down with Kevin Paulson — founder of HuntingLife.com, creator of the Outdoor Hive newsletter, and Executive Director of AGLOW (Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers). Kevin traces his career from litigation work in Washington, D.C. through outfitting in Idaho and Montana, to building one of the outdoor industry's most recognized media platforms. He discusses how storytelling has shifted from newspaper columns and legacy print magazines to blogs, podcasts, YouTube, and digital newsletters — and why that evolution is critical to growing hunting and fishing culture in a country where fewer than 10% of the population hunts.The conversation covers the outsized role outdoor media plays in shaping public perception, including a focused discussion on the Boone and Crockett Club's poaching research led by Jon and his wife. The hosts and Kevin agree that public attitudes toward poaching must shift the same way drunk driving did over the past 40 years — from tolerated to socially unacceptable — and that effective storytelling is the primary tool to drive that change. Kevin also breaks down the trade show circuit, explaining how events like SHOT Show, the Archery Trade Association show, SCI, and the Western Hunt Conservation Expo serve as essential networking hubs where he runs up to 65 meetings in a single week across his three organizations.Finally, Kevin introduces Outdoor Hive, a free weekly newsletter now in its 77th issue that lists outdoor industry jobs from the factory floor to the C-suite — filling a gap that LinkedIn and other general job platforms have never addressed for the hunting, fishing, and shooting industries. He also previews AGLOW's upcoming annual conference in Lewiston, New York near Niagara Falls, which will feature a fishing tournament on the Niagara River — one of the premier freshwater fisheries in North America.For more information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://conservationstewards.orgHuntingLife.com: https://huntinglife.comOutdoor Hive : https://outdoor-hive.comAssociation of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers: https://aglowoutdoors.com#wildlifeconservation #huntinglife #outdoormedia #ConservationStorytelling #HuntingIndustry #OutdoorHive #OutdoorJobs #OutdoorCareers #aglow #OutdoorWriters #huntingandfishing #NorthAmericanConservationModel #PoachingAwareness #wildlifemanagement #huntingcommunity #outdoorpodcast #conservationfunding #wildlifeprotection #HuntersForConservation #outdoorindustry #OutdoorNetworking #SHOTShow #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards #OutdoorStorytelling

Scott Linden, creator of Wingshooting USA and host of the Upland Nation podcast, joins Jon and Jim to explore the cultural, economic, and conservation impact of upland bird hunting. With decades of experience across radio, television, and outdoor media, Scott shares stories about his start in journalism, his transition into outdoor broadcasting, and how bird dogs became the central passion that shaped his entire career. From pointers to Labradors, he discusses why dogs are the top reason many hunters take to the field and how they both attract newcomers and keep long‑time hunters active.

The conversation also examines how hunting fuels the broader conservation economy through licenses, excise taxes, and the lesser‑recognized budgets tied to dog ownership, gear, and travel. Scott reflects on years of promoting R3 principles, creating content that inspires hunter recruitment, and advocating for a broader outdoor‑recreation “funnel” that welcomes newcomers at every level. Whether you love dogs, upland hunting, or the business side of conservation, this episode offers an insightful look at the traditions and motivations that continue to shape America’s outdoor community.

For more information

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org

Wingshooting USA: https://findbirdhuntingspots.com

#uplandhunting #birddogs #wingshooting #hunting #outdoors #huntingdog #gundog #huntinglife #outdoorlife #whatgetsyououtdoors #wildlifeconservation #huntingisconservation #nature #wildlife #pointerdogs #retrievers #huntingseason #dogtraining #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, Jon and Jim welcome Jenifer Wisniewski, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Deer Association and long-time leader in conservation communications. Jen shares her unique background in state agency marketing and R3 efforts—recruitment, retention, and reactivation—and explains how thoughtful marketing strategies can generate millions in license revenue and boost federal conservation funding. With 11 million deer hunters in America, she highlights the incredible influence of deer hunting on conservation.The conversation explores the evolving challenges facing deer managers and hunters, from overabundance and habitat pressure to shifting cultural attitudes and the rise of adult-onset hunting. Jen also explains NDA’s Field to Fork program, new hunter education initiatives, and groundbreaking research on the true nutritional value of wild venison. This episode provides powerful insights into how deer hunting, food culture, private lands access, and smart communication strategies are shaping the future of conservation in the U.S.For more information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org

National Deer Association: https://deerassociation.com

#hunting #deerhunting #outdoors #hunter #hunt #huntingseason #huntinglife #whatgetsyououtdoors #outdoorlife #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #conservationthroughhunting #huntingisconservation #conservationfunding #outdoorstewards #bowhunting #nature #wildlifemanagementinstitute #connectingwithconservation

Kids & Clays Executive Director Zac Lemmon joins Connecting with Conservation to share how charity sporting clays events across the country are raising millions for Ronald McDonald Houses while introducing thousands of new shooters to the outdoors. He traces the program’s growth from a single Chicagoland event in 1999 to more than 40 million dollars raised, 40+ annual shoots in over 20 states, and a waiting list of houses eager to participate.

The conversation walks through a typical event day, from Egg McMuffins at registration to raffles, auctions, and “loaner gun” stations designed for first-time shooters, while explaining how corporate teams, the firearms industry, and McDonald’s owner-operators all play a role. Jon and Jim also highlight the conservation angle: every shell fired supports excise-tax funding for wildlife agencies, making Kids & Clays a win for sick kids, new participants, and fish and wildlife conservation.

For more information:

Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute/

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.org/

Kids & Clays: https://kidsandclays.com/

#kidsandclays #sportingclays #ronaldmcdonaldhouse #wildlifeconservation #conservationfunding #shootingsports #newshooters #outdoorindustry #clayshooting #pittmanrobertson #mcdonalds #nonprofit #fundraisingevents #corporateevents #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #wildlifeconservation #outdoorstewards #shootingcommunity

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Amanda Wuestefeld, the Director of the Indiana DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Nature Preserves. The discussion highlights the success of wildlife restoration projects for species like elk, turkeys, and deer, which are funded through Pittman-Robertson (PR) dollars and sportsman's excise taxes. Amanda provides an in-depth look at the 12-year process of establishing Indiana’s first sustainable Bobcat trapping season, explaining the balance between scientific modeling, legislative involvement, and public trust.The conversation further explores the "business" of conservation, including the management of public shooting ranges and the diverse fishing opportunities provided by Indiana's hatcheries and public access sites. The episode concludes with a focus on R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation), with Amanda and the hosts emphasizing that modern conservation is as much about "people management" and earning public credibility as it is about managing wildlife populations.For further information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.institute Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation: https://outdoorstewards.org Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife #Conservation #Hunting #Fishing #Trapping #IndianaDNR #WildlifeManagement #Bobcats #OutdoorLife #R3 #PublicLands #NaturePreserves #ElkRestoration #ConnectingWithConservation #Podcast #WildlifeScience #SustainableHarvest #Angling #TargetShooting #OutdoorEducation #PittmanRobertson #WildlifeManagement #WildlifeManagementInstitute #OutdoorStewards

Bryant White of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies joins Connecting with Conservation to unpack modern trapping, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and why regulated trapping remains a critical wildlife management tool. From river otter and beaver restoration to managing human–wildlife conflicts and protecting infrastructure, he explains how agencies use trapping for conservation, public safety, and habitat health.The discussion covers AFWA’s decades-long BMP research, rising trapper numbers, the North American Trapper Education Course, and a new video series aimed at hunters and the public. The hosts and Bryant also tackle persistent myths about trapping—addressing regulation, humaneness, and the broad conservation benefits funded by hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters.For more information:Wildlife Management Institute: https://wildlifemanagement.instituteOutdoor Stewards of Conservation: https://outdoorstewards.orgAssociation of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: https://fishwildlife.org#wildlifeconservation #trapping #furbearers #hunting #fishing #humanwildlifeconflict #wildlifemanagement #conservation #BMPs #afwa #trappereducation #furbearers #otters #beavers #coyotes #raccoons #publiclands #outdoors #huntingcommunity #conservationfunding #wildlifemanagementinstitute #outdoorstewards