Is hunting about to become a criminal act in Oregon? In this eye-opening episode of the The Next Ridge, we sit down with Ryan — a 33-year veteran Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Officer — to break down Initiative Petition 28, also known as the Oregon Peace Act. This proposed ballot measure would eliminate the legal exemptions that currently protect hunting, fishing, trapping, and ranching from Oregon's animal abuse statutes, effectively making all forms of licensed hunting a misdemeanor offense punishable by 90–180 days in jail.
Ryan walks us through exactly what IP 28 would criminalize — from deer hunting and crabbing to pest control and euthanizing injured animals — and who it would impact: 330,000+ licensed hunters, 500,000+ licensed anglers, 37,000 farms and ranches, Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, and more. We discuss the economic devastation this would cause to rural Oregon communities, the anti-science approach to wildlife population management promoted by the bill's supporters, and why emotionally-driven conservation policy consistently fails. We also dig into how similar incremental tactics have already been used to effectively end beaver trapping in Oregon starting January 2026.
This isn't just an Oregon issue. If this kind of legislation gains traction on the West Coast, it will move inland — and that means Idaho, Montana, and beyond are next. Whether you're a hunter, angler, rancher, or simply a meat-eater who believes in your right to feed your family, this episode gives you the facts you need to stay informed and get involved.

👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on any major podcast platform — search The Next Ridge.


📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

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📱 Social Links
The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==

North Idaho Experience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Brokered by:
REAL Brokerage LLC
Equal housing opportunity
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What happens when a former Army airborne veteran and overseas contractor trades warzones for wilderness, adrenaline for presence, and chaos for purpose?

In this powerful conversation, Stu shares his journey from military service and contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan to building a meaningful life rooted in adventure, family, fly fishing, hunting, mindset, and personal growth in North Idaho.

This episode dives deep into veteran transition, executive protection work, travel to 50+ countries, modern masculinity, gratitude, mindset shifts, mental resilience, social media influence, hunting culture, and finding peace through the outdoors.

If you're interested in:
• Life after the military
• Veteran mental health and growth
• Executive protection careers
• Fly fishing and backcountry hunting
• North Idaho living
• Discipline, accountability, and mindset
• Breaking free from negativity

This episode is for you.

Stu’s story proves that reinvention is possible — and that fulfillment isn’t found in status or politics, but in discipline, brotherhood, gratitude, and intentional living.

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:

How veterans can successfully transition from combat and contracting to a purpose-driven civilian life.

Why mindset, gratitude, and accountability are critical for overcoming negativity and rebuilding identity.

How outdoor pursuits like hunting, fly fishing, and adventure strengthen mental health, brotherhood, and masculinity.

📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

👤 Connect with Stu
https://www.instagram.com/stu_adventure_traveler?igsh=MW1vMzJtZmFraHA3bA%3D%3D

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com

👉

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist

📱 Social Links
The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==

North Idaho Experience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Brokered by:
REAL Brokerage LLC
Equal housing opportunity
======

****...

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/

Discover the world of upland bird hunting, pheasant hunting, and bird dog training with Suzanne—an experienced upland hunting guide, Air National Guard veteran, and pointing dog handler—as she breaks down everything from training a bird dog puppy to hunting pheasants, Huns, and grouse in the Pacific Northwest.

In this in-depth conversation, Suzanne shares her journey from military service to becoming a guide at Double Barrel Ranch, offering expert insight into bird dog obedience, scenting conditions, e-collar training, force fetch, pheasant cooking tips, and how to get started in upland hunting in Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Whether you’re new to bird hunting, thinking about getting a German Shorthaired Pointer or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or looking to refine your dog’s skills, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice from someone living the lifestyle.

You’ll also learn about NASRA (National Shoot to Retrieve Association) competitions, conservation programs, hunting preserves, and why upland hunting is one of the most rewarding ways to hunt with dogs.

👉 Perfect for hunters, dog owners, outdoor families, and anyone curious about bird dogs, pheasant hunting, or life in North Idaho.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:

How to train a bird dog correctly – From puppy obedience and e-collar use to force fetch, soft mouth training, and avoiding over-pressure.

How upland birds and dogs really work together – Including scent cones, wind, weather conditions, and how dogs locate pheasants and partridge.

How to get started in upland hunting – Where to hunt in Idaho & Washington, using preserves, NASRA competitions, and bird dog resources.

📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

👤 Connect with Suzanne Mensik
https://uplandbirdranch.com/

Suzanne IG: https://www.instagram.com/harleythebirddog?igsh=MWxrd2swd2JzN2RtZg==

Double Barrel Rach IG: https://www.instagram.com/double_barrel_ranch?igsh=MTNmd2Z1enBkNGcxdg==

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist

📱 Social Links
The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==

North Idaho Experience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Brokered by:
REAL Brokerage LLC
Equal housing opportunity
======

****...

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/

Welcome to The Next Ridge Podcast, brought to you by North Idaho Experience! In this episode, we take you deep into Idaho’s Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness in the lower 48. Join us as we relive two years of flying into the backcountry, hunting sheep and mule deer, surviving challenges, packing big miles, learning tough lessons, and experiencing some of the most rugged country in America.

We break down everything—from our first backcountry sheep hunt, forgotten calories, brutal pack-outs, gear failures, and learning curves… to the epic mule deer high-country hunt where both tags are filled in blizzards, cliffs, river crossings, and relentless elevation.

If you've ever wondered what a fly-in hunt, Idaho wilderness mule deer hunt, or true backcountry expedition feels like—this episode is a raw, detailed look at the experience.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:

What it’s really like to fly into Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness—logistics, expectations, challenges, and what makes it one of the most rugged hunts available in the U.S.

How to prepare, pack, and survive on a multi-day backcountry hunt including gear breakdowns, water sourcing, calories, and lessons learned the hard way.

Detailed storytelling from two years of hunts—sheep, mule deer, wolves, bears, extreme elevation, brutal terrain, and unforgettable wilderness moments.

📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com

👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!

📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==



Brokered by:
The Experience Northwest
Equal housing opportunity

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist

📱 Social Links
The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==

North Idaho Experience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Brokered by:
REAL Brokerage LLC
Equal housing opportunity
======

****...

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/

This episode kicks off The Next Ridge Podcast, hosted by Austin Johnson and John Fontaine—two military veterans turned Idaho outdoorsmen who share real stories from the mountains, the backcountry, and the everyday challenges that shaped them. In this pilot, they talk about growing up in Minnesota, serving in Afghanistan, becoming cops, moving to North Idaho, and building a life rooted in hunting, fishing, adventure, and resilience.

You’ll hear why they started the podcast, what “The Next Ridge” means, and what to expect from upcoming hunting films, outdoor trips, gear reviews, and conversations with people who live bold, rugged lives across Idaho and Montana. If you love elk hunting, mule deer, backcountry adventures, military stories, or authentic outdoor conversations, you’re in the right place.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:

The meaning behind “The Next Ridge” and how it connects hunting, mindset, and life challenges.

Austin and John’s backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, and their move to North Idaho.

What to expect from the podcast and YouTube series, including hunts, gear reviews, lifestyle topics, guest stories, and Idaho/Montana adventure content.

📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com

👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!

📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us:
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887

Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist

📱 Social Links
The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==

North Idaho Experience
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Brokered by:
REAL Brokerage LLC
Equal housing opportunity
======

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