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
The 9th Circuit Court Takes on Wolves
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals just heard oral arguments involving three separate cases involving wolves and the Endangered Species Act. They involved efforts to delist wolves nationally, efforts to relist the northern Rockies wolves, and a challenge to the Mexican wolf management plan. It's all pretty wonky, but the guys discuss what's at stake. Remember, send your comments/questions to yourmou
Will the Sky Fall if Colorado Makes Hunting and Fishing a Right?
After missing the last two months, the guys are back to talk about their recent hunting exploits. More importantly, they discuss an upcoming vote in Colorado that would make hunting/fishing a constitutional right. Are the critics of the proposed amendment right that the sky is falling, that it would be a killing free for all, that science would be cut out of wildlife management, or that the doors
Rescinding the Roadless Rule
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Boundary Waters and Ballot Initiatives
The US Senate is considering a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would cancel a 20 year mineral withdrawal in the Boundary Waters region of Northern Minnesota. Passing the resolution would remove one of the barriers to the development of a massive copper sulfide mine in the region. Dave and Nephi discuss. Also, the guys discuss a ballot initiative in Oregon that would criminalize
A Cornucopia of Conservation with Swanny Evans of Pheasants Forever Quail Forever
Swanny Evans, state government affairs director for Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, joins the guys on a late night in late September (yes, just releasing now) to discuss conservation. Topics include: why there aren't quail in Wyoming, Swanny's deer capture research in Georgia and Pennsylvania, how to dart a deer safely, prairie dogs and black footed ferrets, strangest meat they've ever eaten, wil
Public Lands Access: Helicopters, Corner Crossing, E-Bikes, and More
In this episode, Dave and Nephi dive into the creative ways people are accessing their public lands. Topics include: Dave's successful big game hunt; Nephi's slow start to the season; using the Congressional Review Act to overturn a barred owl management plan; an update on the corner crossing case; why you still shouldn't cross from state land to state land at corners; the use of helicopters to ac
Transferrable Landowner Hunting Licenses
Dave and Nephi may have recorded this episode in September, but it remains topical today. The guys discuss transferrable landowner hunting licenses. Topics include: the history of landowner licenses; the effect of transferrable tags in other states; the importance of landowners for habitat and wildlife; what transferrable tags can do to tag availability in the random draw, and so much more. Safe t
Disagreeing with Civility in Conservation
Dave did it again. We recorded this a month ago, and Dave is just getting it published. And, his excuses are worthless. In this episode, the guys talk about changes to implementation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the proposal to rescind the Public Lands Rule. Woven throughout is a discussion about the need for more durable outcomes for conservation, and why pendulum swings of the "m
A Proposal to Rescind the Roadless Rule
In late August, the Administration published a proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule in most states across the United States, calling into question the legal status of more than 45 million acres of National Forest lands. Dave and Nephi provide a high level overview of the history of the Roadless Rule; activities it allows and disallows; the unique status of Colorado and Idaho; the importance of Ro
Why We Need Hunters (and why you should care about the Congressional Review Act)
In this episode that the guys recorded a month ago and Dave forgot to publish, Dave and Nephi discuss a recent effort to use the Congressional Review Act to repeal three BLM Respurce Management Plans, and the unintended consequences of such action. They also discuss why hunters are so important to achieving positive conservation outcomes, why influencers can play an important role in achieving the
The End of Sunday Hunting Bans in Pennsylvania with Steve Smith
The guys are joined by the Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to discuss a new law that lifts the ban on hunting on Sundays in the state. Steve discusses the history of "blue laws", prior efforts to lift the Sunday hunting prohibition, the concerns of landowners and recreationistsand how they were addressed, how the agency will move forward with permitting Sunday
The Public Lands Sale Autopsy, Party 2: Where Should We Go From Here
In Part 2 of our reflection on Sen. Lee's attempt to sell millions of acres of public lands, we take a look forward. The guys discuss why the threat of sale isn't dead; why hunters must remain vigilent in defending public lands; and ideas for helping turn the temperature down on sales threats by identifying solutions to better manage public lands for the benefit of everyone. Have other ideas for t
The Public Lands Sale Autopsy, Part 1: The History of Public Lands
As everyone knows, Sen. Lee's public land sales provision was pulled from the Reconciliation bill at the last moment, giving public lands champions a big win. However, this wasn't the first, nor will it be the last attempt to sell public lands. What led to this effort, and what can we do to quash it in the future? In a two part series, Dave and Nephi dive into those questions, and more. Part 1 foc
Take 2 on Sen. Lee's Public Land Sale Effort-1.225 Million Acres
This is a collaboration between Your Mountain and Randy Newberg's Hunt/Talk Radio Podcast. On June 24th, the Senate Parlimentarian determined that Senator Lee's piece of the reconciliation bill mandating the sale of 2-3 million acres of public lands violated a procedural rule and stripped it from the overall bill. Not to be dissuated, late on the evening of June 25th, Senator Lee followed through
3 Million Acres of Public Lands for Sale in 11 States
On Wednesday, June 11, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) released a proposal that mandates the sale of 2-3 million acres of public lands in 11 Western States (except Montana). You've probably seen the talking points, but what does the proposal actually say, and what would it actually do. Dave and Nephi do a deep dive into the text, and let you know all of the gory details. Hint: don't take the bait that thi
Anti-Hunters Knocking at The Door
State Game Commissions set hunting seasons and bag limits, and direct wildlife management of all species in their states. Anti-hunters know this, which is why Commissions are under attack. The guys discuss a proposal in Colorado that could take authority away from the state game commission and lead to a reduction in hunting opportunities. They also discuss some of the chaos that's going on with th
Rep. Zinke's San Juan Hill
The proposal to sell or otherwise dispose of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah was pulled from the US House Reconciliation bill. The guys talk about how it happened, and how Representative Zinke's red line, along with hundreds of thousands of public lands lovers from across the country speaking out, helped pull a rabbit out of a hat. They also discuss what still lies
Nearly A Half A Million Acres of Public Land Identified for Sale or Exchange
It happened. Through a middle of the night amendment to the House Natural Resources Committee Reconciliation bill, nearly 500,000 acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada were identified for expidited sale/exchange. The guys break this down, and give some options for staying engaged in the process.
Public Land Sales and Congressional Budget Reconciliation
You've probably seen the rumors about selling public lands using a process called Reconciliation. But, what exactly is that process, and what would it mean for public lands. The guys break down the Reconciliation process, and why public lands are on the radar of some law makers. Then, they talk about the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, and explain why selling lands that may even already
Millions of Acres Unlocked: The Corner Crossing Decision
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals just found that corner crossing--the act of crossing from one parcel of federal land to another parcel of federal land while momentarily passing through the airspace of a private landowner--is legal (in 6 states). Dave and Nephi explain the decision, talk about the states where the judgment applies, and what it means for hunters, anglers, and recreationists everyw
What Do the Secretary of the Interior's Recent Orders Mean
This episode is wonkier than most--and that's saying something. Newly minted Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, recently issued a series of Secretarial Orders that have some in the conservation space criticizing him. Dave and Nephi give a civics 101 and explain what a Secretarial Order is and what they do. Next, they dive into some of the orders Secretary Burgum issued and explain what they d
Thousands Fired at Federal Land Management Agencies
Thousands of federal employees within the country's land management agencies were recently laid off. Dave and Nephi try to explain what happened, why it happened, and what it could mean for everything from grizzly bear delisting to enjoying your national parks. They also tell you who to contact if you've got concerns. Lastly, Dave made a mistake in this one by identifying the wrong position title
A Grizzly Decision
In early Jamuary, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule that denied Montana and Wyoming's petition to delist grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems. The reasons behind the decision are complicated. Dave and Nephi explain what happened, and what the decision could mean for grizzlies going forward.
US Supreme Court Declines Utah's Public Lands Case
In this quick hitter, Dave and Nephi provide an update on the State of Utah's efforts to dispose of public lands--calling their perpetual ownership by the federal government unconstitutional. In a one sentence order, the United States Supreme Court declined to exercise its original jurisdiction and hear Utah's case. The guys explain the decision and what comes next for Utah, and for public lands.
What to Expect When You're Expecting a New Administration
Dave and Nephi talk about what to expect as the Biden administration winds down and transitions to the Trump administration. They discuss what could happen to recent decisions of the Biden administration in the new administration, what the Congressional Review Act is and how will it apply, what last minute secretarial or directors mean, what to expect from the incoming Secretary of Interior on ene
The Lost Episode with Jim Heffelfinger, Chris Parish and Leland Brown
Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in a back room of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conferfence in September of 2024, and thought the file was lost forever, but some Nephi wizardry brought it back from the dead. The guys are joined by renound wildlife biologist, Jim Heffelfinger, as well as Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Partnership. They share some of the ma
13 More States Support Public Lands Disposal
13 states have joined Utah in calling for the disposal of public lands. Dave and Nephi discuss which states, and what this means. They also discuss the banning of recreational shooting in Bears Ears National Monument, and provide an update on a bill that would allow Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. We call this segment--how to kill a bill.
How We Kill Birds
Bird numbers are down sharply across North America over the past 50 years. Dave and Nephi dive into some of the data about what's killing all the birds, and discuss a little bit about what can be done to mitigate some of the losses. Hint: cats don't come out looking great in this episode.
Utah Goes All In On Public Lands Disposal Effort
In late August, the state of Utah asked the United States Supreme Court to hear a case, where if Utah prevails, it could force the federal government to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of more than 18 million acres of public lands in Utah, and potentially hundreds of millions of acres of public lands across the country to states, or the highest bidder. Dave and Nephi take a deep dive into the
Ballot Box Biology with Gaspar Perricone
Organizers in Colorado gathered enough signatures to put a proposal to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting on the ballot this fall. Gaspar Perricone has been fighting this, and other ballot box biology efforts for years. He joins Dave and Nephi to discuss what it all means for the future of hunting and wildlife management. The guys also raise a glass to former co-host Mike McGrady for his recent
Project 2025: What it Means for Wildlife and Public Lands
A lot of people in the media have opinions on Project 2025, a conservative think tank's vision for a republican led government. But, has anyone actually read it? Dave and Nephi breakdown what it actually says about the future of public lands and wildlife. Spoiler: it's a mixed bag. The guys also discuss a new innovative pilot project to encourage non-lead ammunition use on certain National Wildlif
SCOTUS Overturns the Chevron Doctrine: What it Means
The Supreme Court recently overturned the 40 year old Chevron Doctrine, which required courts to give discretion to agency interpretations of the statutes Congress entrusted them with administering. Dave and Nephi break down the history of the Chevorn Doctrine, what the Supreme Court actually said, and what the pros and cons of this decision could be.
The BLM Public Lands Rule
Dave is getting lazy. It took him almost a month to publish this episode after recording it. However, the timing is still good. Recently the States of Wyoming and Utah sued the federal government to challenge the Bureau of Land Management's controversial "Public Lands Rule". In this episode, Dave and Nephi discuss the rule. What it does. What it doesn't do. Where the concerns are valid, and where
The Wolf Torture Fallout; EXPLORE Act passes House; Court Decides Tribal Treaty Hunting Rights Case
The guys break down a number of current events in hunting and conservation. First, they condem the torture and killing of a wolf in Wyoming. Then, they analyze ways to address a gap in the law to ensure behavior like this is appropriately punished if it ever occurs again. Next, they break down the U.S. House passing the EXPLORE Act and a recent court decision in the long running Tribal Treaty hunt
Ethics of Technology in Hunting
Technological innovations are a way of life and influence hunters every year. State wildlife agencies and state legislatures are constantly trying to balance principles of fair chase with the benefits of new technology to hunters. In this episode, the guys discuss some of that technology and debate whether or not it should be used in hunting. Technologies discussed include: Drones, long range rifl
The Decades Long Wolf Delisting Fight Continues
Earlier in February, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made a determination that a population of wolves delisted years ago in the Western United States should not be relisted under the Endangered Species Act. However, the decision is more complicated than that, and could create some unintended consequences for these states down the line. The guys explain that, and the entire legal history that got
Pontificating on the Complexity of State Hunting/Fishing Regulations - and Other Stuff
Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in January to, among other things, alert non-resident hunters of changes to elk hunting application processes in Wyoming. Of course, they didn't release the episode until mid-February--after the application deadline. So, hopefully it helps for 2025. Other topics discussed include: upcoming sage grouse management plans, the complexitiy of state hunting/fishing r
Land for Sale in the Tetons and Challenging a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin
In an episode recorded a month ago, but only released today because Dave dropped the ball on doing his part to keep this podcast going, the guys discuss a controversial state land disposal proposal near Grand Teton National Park and a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the constitutionality of Wisconsin's hunter harassment law. Other topics include: Nephi possessing the rifle t
Wolves, Mountain Lions, MapWaters Act, and Elk Hunting
Hunting season is well underway, which means the guys aren't recording much, and when they do they take weeks to publish. However, they found time to sit down and talk about some current events that hunters and anglers should care about. They discuss: collaboration in SW Wyoming on land use planning; wolf reintroduction; ballot box biology strikes again in Colorado to try to end mountain lion and
Having a Voice in Federal Land Management Planning
The guys sit down with Josh Coursey, CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and host of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, to discuss a controversial Resource Management Plan (RMP) in Southwest Wyoming. They correct misinformation about the draft RMP, speak to the importance of local collaboratives, explain how the Bureau of Land Management could have more effectively rolled out the draft, a
Wildlife Conservation with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International
Chris Tymeson earns his gold jacket by joining the guys for the fifth time--this time representing Safari Club International (SCI). They discuss the history of SCI, and the type of legal and governmental affairs work SCI does on behalf of hunters around the country and world. In a Your Mountain first, Chris also arbitrates a series of disputes between Dave and Nephi. They also share a tribute to a
The Summer Conservation Rundown
Dave and Nephi are back after taking a podcasing summer break. In this episode, the guys run down some of the biggest conservation stories that took place while they were climbing peaks, fishing, and entering shooting competitions. Topics include: a new national monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Evnironmental Protection Agency and waters of the US, National Public Lands Day, National
New Oil and Gas Leasing Rules from BLM
The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft rule that, if finalized, would significantly change the way in which oil and gas leases are issued on public lands. The guys break down what it means for the industry, and the public at large. They also offer a tip of the hat to Backcountry Hunter and Anglers CEO, Land Tawney.
Support for Hunting in the United States Declines
A recent study shows that support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports in the United States has declined over the past 3 years (though it's still very high). The guys dive into the results, what it means for hunters and anglers, and things to think about to ensure strong public support long into the future.
SCOTUS defines Waters of the United States
Jonathan Wood from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) joins the guys to discuss a landmark SCOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, which defines "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. They break down the decision and explain what it means for states, landowners, hunters, and others. Johathan also shares his Mountain. Don't miss this episode--it certainly isn't dry.
The Corner Crossing Decision
In a long anticipated decision, a Federal judge recently found that four hunters did not commit a civil trespass when corner crossing in Wyoming's checkerboard lands. Great news for those four hunters, but what about the rest of us? Is corner crossing now legal? The guys break down the decision and explain what it might mean for you as you plan your public land hunt this fall. Spoiler: the decisio
The Bureau of Land Management's Proposed Conservation Rule
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule that would allow companies, individuals, and NGOs to lease lands for restoration. They also propose to elevate conservation as a multiple use on par with other land uses. This proposal has generated some controversy. Dave and Nephi assign themselves different perspectives and discuss.
The Politics of Wildlife Management
Congress is considering several bills that would remove a number of species from the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Dave and Nephi discuss them. Other topics include: bird flu in California condors; catastrophic losses of pronghorn and mule deer this winter; Wyoming's corner crossing case; and the Colorado legislature's new action on wolf reintroduction (note: the bill has passed since
Breaking down Willow (not the classic 1980s film)
The Biden administration recently gave the green light to a controversial oil project in northern Alaska. Dave and Nephi wade into the issue. They discuss why many in the conservation world oppose it, why others support it--including how it fits into the national security debate and the climate debate. They also provide an update on a New Mexico stream access case, provide a PSA about leaving stre
Advocacy and Grizzlies: Making a Point vs. Making a Difference
The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it would consider Montana's and Wyoming's petitions to delist grizzly bears. The guys do a deep dive into the decision, the state politics, the legal process, and what it means for grizzly bears in the West. They also discuss a frustrating trend in state legislatures, and Dave encourages attending a convention that's already occurred! Check us o
Boundary Waters, Tongass, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Dave and Nephi break down a bill that could require leasing tens of millions of acres of public land to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve. They also discuss the administration's decision to prevent mineral leasing in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota, and to reinstate roadless rule protections in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Finally, the guys discuss a proposal to allow m
Wolves, Bears, and Bills
Grizzly bears and wolves remain hot topics. Dave and Nephi provide an update on Colorado's efforts to reintroduce wolves, and how the public can get involved in the process. Then, they break down a recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that challenged grizzly bear recovery plans, and discuss what the decision means for bear recovery/delisting. Next, the guys highlight a few bills circulatin
Lead Ammunition on Wildlife Refuges and the Colorado River Water Catastrophe
Dave and Nephi end 2022 discussing some hot topics in conservation, including a Recovering America's Widlife Act update (update since recording: it didn't pass in 2022), and teeing up a needed deeper dive into the Montana Crazy Mountains access saga. They also discuss the resolution of a recent case brought by Center for Biological Diversity challenging lead use on wildlife refuges, which gets Nep
Whose Land is it Anyway: Contentious Access Issues in the West
Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy at the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), joins the guys to discuss some contentious access issues in the West. They dive into a New Mexico stream access case that may find its way to the US Supreme Court, and then provide an update on a land access dispute in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. Other topics include: whether Nephi should
From Scarcity to Abundance: The History of Game Management
The guys take a deep dive into the history of wildlife management in America, using Wyoming's journey as as example. They discuss: how wildlife laws progressed from the 1860s to the modern era; how important the Pittman-Robertson Act passing was to state management efforts; what revenues make up state wildlife agency budgets; why the firearms industry supports the Pittman-Robertson Act, what the R
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery
Renowned biologist, and Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Jim Heffelfinger, joins the podcast for a deep dive into the good science, bad science, politics, influencers, successes, and failures associated with Mexican gray wolf recovery. Jim's captivating story spans several decades and will leave you both appreciating and questioning science and the motives o
Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim
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
RETURN Act, Corner Crossing, and the Senate's Inflation Reduction Act
Dave and Nephi provide updates on the RETURN Act (Pittman-Robertson defunding act) and the infamous corner crossing case from Wyoming. Then they dive into the freshly passed (as of today) Inflation Reduction Act. Love the bill or hate it, the guys don't care. They just hope to cut through the hyperpartisan politics dominating the airwaves, and let you know some of the pieces in the bill that would
A Federal Proposal to Gut Wildlife Funding for States
In late June, nearly 5 dozen members of Congress co-sponsored a bill that would end the 100+ year excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which contributes more than $1.1 billion to state wildlife agencies each year. Dave and Nephi explain the history of the Pittman-Robertson Act, break down the bill, discuss how the excise taxes are used, and explain why the bill won't pass but needs the hunting c
Permanent Wildlife Funding Nears and 70,000 Acres of New Public Access
After a month away from recording due to Nephi building a house and Dave completing a fellowship in Europe, the guys are back. They discuss Recoving America's Wildlife Act, the major Congressional hurdle it cleared, and when it might become law. They also discuss a land acquisition by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming that creates access to 70,000 of public land, and the controversy surroun
Corner Crossing Update and Proposed Lead Ammunition Ban
The guys discuss a recent bill in Congress that would ban lead ammunition on US Fish and Willdife Service lands. They also jump back into the corner crossing issue with an analysis of the Wyoming litigation. Other topics include, transferrable landowner tags, National Corndog Day, why Nephi constantly interrupts Dave, and a teaser on a Sunday hunting case in Maine. Tune in!
The Open Fields Doctrine and the 4th Amendment
After a long absence, Mike McGrady rejoins the podcast to discuss the open fields doctrine and search and seizure laws under state and federal constitutions. They explain what the open fields doctrine is, the cases that gave rise to it during prohibition, and a recent Tennessee decision limiting a game warden's ability to enter private property. Other topics include: trona mining, and the importan
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation with Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joins the guys to talk about the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Topics include: what is the model; does the model work; what are the biggest threats to the model; should we rethink the model; Tim's mountain; and more.
The Energy Debate
NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE US BANNING RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS, BUT THE MATERIAL REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY. Nephi and Dave discuss oil and gas policy in the US since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Topics include: the problems with the "drill baby drill" and "keep it in the ground" mindsets; why energy companies aren't drilling; why renewable energy has its own challenges; balancing de
Relisting Wolves (again)
A Federal District Court just reinstated protections for wolves in 44 states, and the Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will consider whether to relist wolves in the Northern Rockies. What does this all mean? Dave and Nephi dive in, but leave a lot of questions on the table for a future episode. Tune in.
Thinking Outside the Box: The Path for State Management of Federally Listed Species
The guys discuss an idea to use the Endangered Species Act in a way that encourages state management of federally listed species. They also discuss: late velvet in mule deer; a bad goose hunt; a good goose hunt; hunting wolves near Yellowstone National Park; appreciation of wildlife professionals; and more.
Suppressors and Other Hunting Technology with John Burns of Wyoming Arms
Dave and Nephi are joined by John Burns of Wyoming Arms to talk about technology in hunting. They talk about the importance of range finders, and then take a deep dive into the history and use of suppressors, including new changes in processing paperwork to purchase a suppressor. Other topics include Dave's recent elk hunt; Nephi finally getting a goose hunt invite; remote game cameras; Wyoming A
Grizzly Bears and the Rinella Family Feud
Dave and Nephi provide an update on all things grizzly bears, including updating on a petition to delist Yellowstone grizzlies; a petition to delist Northern Continental Divide grizzlies; and a new population estimator showing there are lots of freaking bears. They also weigh in on a recent Matt Rinella piece advocating for fewer hunters. Spoiler: the guys commend Matt for being willing to speak u
The Unintended Consequences of Wyoming's Corner Crossing Case
Dave and Nephi take a look at Wyoming's corner crossing case through a different lens. Legal issues aside, they discuss the possible policy outcomes of the case, and how setting a court precedent could backfire for hunters. Other topics include: how to increase public land access; how they first met Steven Rinella; Nephi's love of fluvial geomorphology; Aldo Leopold; Dave meeting Dick Cheney; and
Road Trip (Part III): Guiding You Through Wyoming's Wilderness Hunting Law
Dave and Nephi complete their road trip through MT and WY. In this episode they take a deep dive into Wyoming's law that requires nonresidents to hunt with a guide in Wilderness Areas. They discuss the history of the law, possible reasons for the law, its legal history, and venerabilities. They also discuss their favorite hunts of 2021, and Dave asks for listener advice about an issue with his 202
Road Trip (Part II): Recent Wildlife Wins in Congress
Dave and Nephi continue their road trip across MT and WY. They discuss wildlife wins in Congress's bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, such as: money for wildlife crossings, reclaiming orphaned oil and gas wells, fire mitigation, and more. They also discuss Recovering America's Wildlife Act, what it could mean for hunters, and how to voice your support. Then stay tuned for Part III of the road trip wh
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