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Your Mountain

Your Mountain

David Willms and Nephi Cole 222 Episodes Aug 25, 2026

Your Mountain is a podcast hosted by David Willms and Nephi Cole, who draw on their backgrounds in law, science, and policy to discuss decisions affecting outdoor experiences. With guests, they use humor and storytelling to explain important issues involving land, water, and wildlife. The show emphasizes that public lands and natural resources belong to everyone and that listeners should understand the policies shaping them. Each episode aims to make complex conservation and outdoor policy accessible.

Episodes

Rescinding the Roadless Rule
Rescinding the Roadless Rule Aug 25, 2026 00:51:08 Recently, the Secretary of Agriculture released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement that proposes to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. This has some people celebrating, and others sounding alarm bells. The guys talk a bit about both sides of the debate, and explain how you can get involved. They also highlight the US Fish and Wildlife Service's new hunt/fish rule that opens more opportunities for
New Grizzly Bear Rule and a Monumental Reduction
New Grizzly Bear Rule and a Monumental Reduction Jul 15, 2026 01:14:44 The Federal government just proposed turning grizzly bear management over to Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho--without delisting. How is this possible? The guys discuss the proposed rule, and some of the history of the past 15 years that led to the proposal (Dave takes WAY too much credit!). Next, they discuss the recent Executive Order that shrinks the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Esca
Senator Lee Strikes Again - Should You Panic?
Senator Lee Strikes Again - Should You Panic? Jun 12, 2026 00:58:35 The guys recorded this episode about 12 hours before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to consider an amendment to a potentially bipartisan bill from Sen. Mike Lee that would invalidate the 2001 Roadless Rule. Dave and Nephi discuss the implications (spoiler: the sky isn't falling, but it's not a great look). They also chat about a proposal to repeal the blanket 4(d) Rule (
Prospect of Banning Hunting In Oregon and New Hunting Opportunities on Wildlife Refuges
Prospect of Banning Hunting In Oregon and New Hunting Opportunities on Wildlife Refuges Jun 4, 2026 01:04:55 An effort to end hunting and fishing in Oregon is one step closer to making the ballot--the guys discuss. They also talk about the new Executive Order regarding travel management on public lands, proposed grazing regulation revisions on BLM lands, and the new Hunt/Fish Rule opening up more hunting opportunities on refuge lands across the country. And, they share the best new way to get ahold of th
Hunting Turkeys and the Farm Bill Passes the House
Hunting Turkeys and the Farm Bill Passes the House May 20, 2026 01:23:24 In a bleary eyed, late night recording, the guys talk about recent changes to what firearms can be used when turkey hunting in Wyoming that go into effect next spring. They also talk about conservation provisions in a Farm Bill that recently passed the US House. Other topics include: odds of the Farm Bill passing the Senate, risks of appropriating money without personnel to deliver it to projects
A Conversation with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers CEO Ryan "Cal" Callaghan
A Conversation with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers CEO Ryan "Cal" Callaghan May 6, 2026 01:19:20 Dave and Nephi sit down with the new President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Ryan "Cal" Callaghan. In this wide ranging discussion taking place in Nephi's hotel room, the guys talk about the role of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) and its broad mission conserving and defending public lands. They also dive into topics such as accountability and advocacy, technology and fair cha
God Squad, Greyhounds, Boundary Waters, and a Soapbox
God Squad, Greyhounds, Boundary Waters, and a Soapbox Apr 24, 2026 01:24:03 Dave and Nephi cover a series of current events in this episode. Topics include: (1) the recent decision to convene the "God Squad"; (2) what the "God Squad" is under the Endangered Species Act, and its history; (3) the Greyhound Protection Act, and what it meant for bird hunters; (4) the recent decision to overturn a mineral withdrawal near the Boundary Waters; (5) a soapbox/diatribe/frustration
Technology in Hunting, Ambler Road, and Some Politics
Technology in Hunting, Ambler Road, and Some Politics Mar 23, 2026 00:59:56 Dave and Nephi discuss: Idaho's technology in hunting regulations and the current legislative action on them; ethics around different types of technology in hunting; a lawsuit challenging the Ambler Road project in Alaska; whether certain conservation topics are big issues or not; the retirement of Sen. Daines and Rep. Zinke in MT; and more. Don't forget, you can watch us on YouTube now!
Oregon Funds Conservation and a  Colorado Controversy
Oregon Funds Conservation and a Colorado Controversy Mar 17, 2026 01:01:13 In their first ever video podcast (visit the Your Mountain YouTube channel), Dave and Nephi dive into state actions around conservation. Topics include: Oregon's new 1.25% lodging tax for wildlife; How other states fund wildlife management; why we should stop saying "consumptive user" and "non-consumptive user"; Colorado moving forward with banning the sale of fur; Idaho debating prohibiting certa
State Corner Crossing Legislative Efforts and Lesser Prairie Chickens
State Corner Crossing Legislative Efforts and Lesser Prairie Chickens Mar 6, 2026 01:01:29 The guys discuss legislative efforts to decriminalize corner-crossing in Wyoming and Oregon. (Note: Wyoming's effort failed after this episode was recorded, but could come back in future years, and there's still a 10th Circuit of Appeals case saying it is and always has been legal). They also put their tin hats on to discuss the recent action by the FWS to remove lesser prairie chickens from Endan
Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim
Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim Sep 12, 2022 01:02:56 In this episode, Dave asks for help understanding the impacts Eurasian collared doves have on mourning doves. The guys also discuss the issues surrounding importing harvested game birds from Canada; how the damages claimed by the landowner in Wyoming's corner-crossing case are a head scratcher; and new attacks on the Pittman-Robertson Act from some in the environmental community. Tune in. Have sho
0014 - A Conversation with Game Wardens from Across North America
0014 - A Conversation with Game Wardens from Across North America Aug 28, 2018 01:04:44 Ever wonder what it takes to be a game warden? The guys crash the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association annual convention to find out. Join them as they talk to Liza-J Bobseine of New York, Kerry Wrishko of Saskatchewan, and Shawn Blajszczak of Wyoming about their experiences in wildlife law enforcement.  Learn about fighting illegal trade of animal parts like shark fins, ivory,

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