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Shootin’ the Bull

Shootin’ the Bull

Written by: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
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From fish squeezers, deer muggers, and everyone in between, these are the conversations with the men and women of Idaho Fish and Game.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Ep. 17 - Trout Slams & Record Fish with Martin Koenig
    May 20 2026

    You’re listening to Shootin’ the Bull — a podcast by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. From fish squeezers to deer muggers and everyone in between, these are the conversations with the men and women of Idaho Fish and Game.

    Host Connor Jay Liess (Public Information Specialist) and Ben Bieri (Digital Content Specialist) sit down with Martin Koenig (Sportfish Coordinator) to talk about Idaho's record fish program and managing sportfish fisheries and angler opportunities.

    Other topics: Drinking coffee at the crepuscular period; what is a piscatologist?; what does a sportfish coordinator coordinate?; Martin's many hats; why the emphasis on trout?; resident vs. native; the birth of alpine lake stocking; why Idaho's perfect for trout hatcheries; what factors drive cold and warmwater fisheries?; Oxbow Reservoir bass behavior; "world class"; Idaho's record fish program; good (and bad) fish pics; the infamous blue catfish story; Martin's biggest "big fish" stories; the "Dworshak problem"; trout slams; and more.

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    Have a question or topic suggestion? Drop us a line at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

    Follow Idaho Department of Fish and Game on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Ep. 16 - These Hooves Were Made for Walkin' with Sierra Robatcek
    Apr 22 2026

    You’re listening to Shootin’ the Bull — a podcast by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. From fish squeezers to deer muggers and everyone in between, these are the conversations with the men and women of Idaho Fish and Game.

    Host Connor Jay Liess (Public Information Specialist) and Ben Bieri (Digital Content Specialist) sit down with Sierra Robatcek (Big Game Habitat Staff Biologist) to discuss how Fish and Game tracks migratory species—deer, elk, and pronghorn—and why that information is so invaluable.

    Other topics: Mispronouncing Sierra's last name; what is a habitat biologist?; Sierra's personal migration from Colorado; Fish and Game family; the difference between mule deer and wolverines; more to habitat than meets the eye; regional biologist vs. staff biologist; why does mule deer migration matter to sportsmen?; the pursuit of food; uncovering 12,000-year old migration routes; crossing five different highways; herds of moose; pronghorn can't jump; nature vs. nurture; how Idaho Fish and Game tracks animals; deer muggers; slingin' animals; what's the data for?; conservation relationships matter; why does a town deer stay in town?; animal-safe fencing; and more.

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    Have a question or topic suggestion? Drop us a line at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

    Follow Idaho Department of Fish and Game on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Ep. 15 - Hound Dogs and Mountain Cats with Carson Watkins
    Mar 20 2026

    You’re listening to Shootin’ the Bull — a podcast by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. From fish squeezers to deer muggers and everyone in between, these are the conversations with the men and women of Idaho Fish and Game.

    Host Connor Jay Liess (Public Information Specialist) travels to Coeur d'Alene to talk with T.J. Ross (Panhandle Region Communications Manager) and expert houndsman, Carson Watkins (Panhandle Regional Supervisor).

    Other Topics: Poppin' claws; Carson's tenure bouncing around the state, North Idaho vs. Southeast Idaho mountain lions; how do you get in to running hounds?; Blue the Bluetick; teaching a young dog an old dog's tricks; Carson's approach to mountain lion "hunting"; how does IDFG/houndsmen manage North Idaho mountain lions?; reclassifying lions as a big game animal (thanks to houndsmen); were hunters harvesting more lions back then or now?; what does a good day of mountain lion hunting look like?; hunting lions is...hard; a mountain lion's daily routine; advances in technology; hound hunting misconceptions; Carson's most memorable cat hunts; and more.

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    Have a question or topic suggestion? Drop us a line at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

    Follow Idaho Department of Fish and Game on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 42 mins
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