The Cutbanks Conversations: Recent Episodes
Cutbanks Conversations
Welcome to The Cutbanks Conversations
This podcast was created to facilitate discussions around Hunting, Fishing and Conservation in British Columbia.
Our intention is to present a perspective on the outdoors that recruits ideas, information and experiences from an expansive range of people, organizations, science and philosophy in BC, Canada and around the world. Our conversations will explore the historical evolution of land and wildlife management in BC and seek to understand the challenge and the opportunities ahead. We examine the roles of hunting and fishing as tradition and how we can better promote, engage and encourage our outdoor lifestyles and pursuits. We aren’t biologists. Just concerned individuals with a broad and diverse background who cared enough to get involved from boots on the ground, to the airwaves.
Change begins with a conversation…so let’s get started.
The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 35: Floods, Fires, and Funding The State of Fish Wildlife and Habitat in BC
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Jesse Zeman
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
The crew is joined by Jesse Zeman of The BC Wildlife Federation talking the past, present and future of BC Wildlife
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 34: Disease, Deception and Decisions of Salmon Farming in BC - A Conversation with Alexandra Morton
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Alexandra Morton
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
Alexandra’s earliest interest in studying wildlife and the influence of Jane Goodall in her decision to pursue the life of a biologist. From American University to USC to Marineland, her early research focusing on bottle-nose dolphins transitions to studying captive Orcas. Witnessing the first captive birth of a killer whale and its death and the desire to transition to field work.
Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago and the early days of sampling whale communication. The fork in the road and the pivotal role of her friend and fisherman Billy Proctor.
Understanding the salmon farm industry from its early days with IBEC and its transition to the global mega-companies like Cermaq, Grieg and Mowi. Salmon farms as “pathogen culture facilities” and their history of conflict and conservation concern in Europe and around the world.
Furunculosis, Sea lice, PRV, ISAV and other infections that have multiplied in effect and expanded into wild salmon.
DFO and the role of political and bureaucratic obfuscation of the impacts of salmon farming and a willful ignorance of their role in visiting pathogenic consequence on wild salmon.
The Cohen Commission and its long term recommendations. The role of activism in lifting visibility on the salmon farms.
First Nations engagement and 280 days of occupation on salmon farms. The key to success was ensuring Canadas first citizens were leading the discussion and the debate with the salmon farming industry.
The road ahead and the hope that salmon have turned a corner into recovery instead of extinction.
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 33: The Role of Science in 21st Century Wildlife Management - A Conversation with Jim Heffelfinger
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Jim Heffelfinger Wildlife Science Coordinator for Arizona Game and Fish
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
A personal and professional history of Jim Heffelfinger and the development of the role of wildlife science coordinator.
How do you assess what the best science is? The changes in wildlife management and the evolution of wildlife science.
The Mexican Wolf Recovery team, The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Mule Deer Working Group. What are some of the biggest challenges for wildlife managers in executing their roles and responsibilities? A look at some of well-known work in wildlife science and it’s propagation and distortion by popular media. The role of wolves on the landscape, making room for their existence and planning for their management. Working with recovery goals, the ESA in the US versus the SARA act in Canada. How recovery objectives can or should be determined. CWD how real is the risk? Why does it require such severe population treatments to mitigate? How effective are those treatments?
Trophic Cascades, the impacts of trophy selection and how wolves prevent car accidents and save lives. A look at the role of subjectivity and interpretation of data and how it informs both opinion and policy. Valerius Geist and his contributions to the wildlife science.
Find Jim Heffelfinger on Instagram at @Jim.deere or click this link https://www.instagram.com/jim.deere/?hl=en
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 32: A Beginner's Guide to Extinction - A Look at BC's Steelhead Crisis
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Dan Orser of The Steelhead Society of BC
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
What is a steelhead? Life cycle of a steelhead and defining an anadromous fish. Historical benchmarks and the precipitous decline of BC Steelhead.
The creation of the Steelhead Society of BC a response to a conservation crisis. Steelhead as an indicator for watershed health.
The economic and social cost of declining steelhead numbers. What are some of the contributing factors in Steelhead decline.
How or can we recover Steelhead in BC? A look at some of the mechanisms that are being applied to enhance and re-populate steelhead in BC's watersheds.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 31: Investing in Change - A Conversation with The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Board Chair Greg Anderson, Chief Executive Officer Dan Buffet and Communications Director Craig Doucette
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
The impetus to create the trust. Understanding the scope of the foundation, board selection, funding formula and the project selection process. What are the criteria for project selection, timelines and cut-offs for applications submission. What are the Priority Guiding Principles for developing projects for funding, the weight of scientific or conservation outcomes in getting a project funded. The emerging role of citizen science and local knowledge in projects. First Nations partnerships and the force multiplying benefit of working together. Some conservation wins under the program and what the road ahead looks like. An overview of the new mission statement for HCTF and what that means for BC’s conservation efforts
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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Episode 30 – What’s Your Plan When Things Go Wrong? A Conversation with Dave Merritt from PG Search and Rescue
Guest: Dave Merritt Senior Director of PG SARS
Chris Beckley, Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont, Matt Wakeham
The Role and History of BC Search and Rescue. A look at the selection and training process for BC Search and Rescue organizations. Defining the operational mandate for SARS teams in BC and why they aren’t willing to bring you 5 litres of fuel for your snowmobile. The 3 T’s, Knowing Before You Go and Adventure Smart, some guiding principles for backcountry preparedness. Chris Beckley with a couple of campfire stories of when things go off the rails, why Don isn’t a safe bet for driving the new SARS Command Vehicle and what to do when you are lost.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 29: The Hunt in Common - The Value of Mentorship in Hunting
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Luke Reeves and Dave Campbell
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
Luke Reeves – Vice President The Hunt In Common(HIC), Dave Campbell – Director Canadian Chapter, Timothy Reimer, Steve and Don.
In the beginning there was The Hunting Collective. The impact of Ben O’Brien the formation of the THC Cult and the impetus for a movement. A discussion on mentorship, some personal experiences with mentors or the lack of in our respective hunting evolutions.
The goals and intention of HIC Chapters around the world and a look at how to grow the movement through social media and fostering a resource for hunters regardless of their experience level. The role of trains and highways on sound quality in podcasting, the luxury of Dave’s freedom summer and the call of Elk, Luke’s killer 2021 Gardening adventure, Tim’s hopes for a better hunting community and why Don likes to talk so much….and why Steve??
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 28: A Campfire Conversation with Dana and Darcy White from Fatal Impact Outdoors
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Dana and Darcy White and Daniel Martichuk
Produced: Matthew Wakeham
A look at 2020 and filming season 8 in a global pandemic. Changes and challenges in hunting television in an post-COVID world. A discussion of inches and the role of selection in hunting. Hunting with an outfitter vs a DYI hunt and a recap our week of hunting bears in northern BC.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 27: The Hunt in Common and Other Tales - A Special Edition of The Cutbanks Conversations with Ben O'Brien
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guest: Ben O'Brien
Produced by: Matthew Wakeham
Ben Obrien’s podcast The Hunting Collective was the principal influence for our own program. A hunting podcast that focused it’s not on how or where we hunt but why. Ben Obrien shone his light into some of the darker, un-swept corners of our considerations, intention and understanding about the world of hunting. We take a look at Ben’s journey from journalism student to his current role as Director of Hunting Content for the MeatEater brand. A rare chance afforded us to spend some time with the person who compelled us to ask better questions about the wild world and the traditions we use to engage it.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 26: Fish Talk with Keep Fish Wet, Clear Your Gear and Go Fish BC
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: Steve Loney, Sascha Clark Danylchuk and Stacy Webb.
Produced by: Matthew Wakeham
Topics Discussed – Best practices for fish handling and mitigating catch and release mortality. Keeping our shorelines and landfills clean of fish line and embracing recycling opportunities for used line. BC’s comprehensive Freshwater stocking program and support for our recreational fishery. Some key components for anglers to promote a better BC fishery for everyone.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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Episode 25: The Nose... Knows: Tracking Dogs, Wounded Game and the Unspoken Bond
Hosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guest Host: Michael Schneider
Produced by: Matt Wakeham
Update on the Driftwood Valley Outfitters Guide Apprenticeship Program with Takla Nation.
The use of hunting hounds in Germany. The vetting process for ownership of Hanover Hound and other certified breeds in Europe. “Untying the Knot” letting a dog work through a “hit scene” and follow his nose. How to train a blood hound in recovery and a few facts on scent sense.
A few tips on what to do after the shot when working with a dog including wait time and recovery strategies.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 24: Destination Idaho : A Conservation Conversation with Jim Huntsman Host of the Western Huntsman Podcast
Guests: Jim Huntsman, Tim Reimer
Hosts: Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont
Producer: Matt Wakeham
Life in the Marine Corp. Jim’s hunting journey, the road to podcasting, wolves, public land, the anti- hunting movement, a salmon crisis. A discussion on some of the similarities in the hunting and fishing issues in Canada and the US. The roll of podcasts in shaping the conservation narrative, favourite guests and the road ahead for hunting in the Western United States.Check out Jim’s Podcast here https://www.thewesternhuntsman.com/
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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Episode 23: Get Off My Lawn - A look at R3 - Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation
Guests: Mandy Starnes, Allan Duffy and Jenny Ly
Hosts: Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont
Producer: Matt Wakeham
“I’m an outdoorsman who craves solitude, yet my hunting spots get more crowded every year. That, in a nutshell, is why I’m leery of R3.” Matt Rinella – The Case Against Hunter Recruitment
Reactions to the Matt Rinella article. The role of recruitment in growing hunter as a tradition. Do we make it easy to join our ranks? Is it an inclusive community? The role of organizations like Back Country Hunters and Anglers in education and growth of hunting.
The realities of an increase in hunter participation, some of the barriers to entry and opportunities and reasons to grow.
Can hunting make us better citizens? Is that it’s role? Does more hunters equal too much pressure on game populations.
A thank you to Ben Obrien and The Hunting Collective.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 22: Impacts vs Opportunity –Cumulative Effects Management Framework a discussion with Dr. Ryan Macdonald Hydrologist Guest: Dr Ryan Macdonald, P.H.D. Hyrdology Hosts: Mike Morris M.L.A, Dustin Snyder, Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont
Produced by: Matthew Wakeham
What is Cumulative Effects Management Framework: Defining the process and how and why it was developed. How CEMF applied to projects or permitting in resource extraction and development. What is the scope of the risks and outcomes it models for?
What timeline is applied to the model? Does it look forward in time or does it take a historical data? What are the challenges with CEMF? Using the Elk River Valley area and the multiple assessments as a sample, we look at how CEMF is applied and what were the potential outcomes to the land-base, watershed and wildlife in the area. A look at riparian/watershed impacts for cutthroat trout, mature and old growth forest, grizzly bear and big horn sheep habitat. Teck Coal – Selenium levels and impacts on Trout – Lake Koocanusa Montana and the Flathead watershed impacts. Road Density – Hydrological Impacts – lets look at the impacts of road density across a broader scale than just this study area. Mike Morris offers some insight into Sustainable Yield practices in forestry and the impacts they are having on wildlife. What is the uptake by government from these assessments? Does it cause course corrections at a land level? Does it inform or influence broad scale policy considerations? What are the deficits in this kind of modelling? Do you see opportunity to improve the review and land-use planning functions for which these study’s are intended?
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 21: The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition - Unlikely Allies on a United Front
Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don WillimontGuests: Alan Duffy – Chair BC Back Country Hunters and Anglers, Mike Schroeder Wild Sheep Society of BC, Evan Saugstad – BC Interior SCI, Scott Ellis Executive Director Guide Outfitters Association of BC.Produced by Matt Wakeham
Discussing the state- of-affairs for Fish, Wildlife and Habitat in BC and how we get to this coalition. A look at our history in BC around advocacy for improved FW management spanning both governing parties.
An overview of the ore commitments for the coalition prioritizing the conservation of wildlife and habitat provincially. Establishing a new, dedicated, or improved funding mechanism. Looking for opportunities to create a governance model for FWH that is both accountable and transparent. The application of oversight for science and planning functions. Installing legislated objectives for FWH management in BC. We layout the framework this creates and what it looks like if it works and look at a S.W.O.T analysis of the process, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
We address a number of questions that people are asking about the initiative including that decisions need to be science-based…whose science? Where is First Nations support for this undertaking? What is the working process, terms of reference, time line and how executable is this approach with government?
There is a real potential for organizational synergy or capitalizing on resources and capacity between organizations to do more than just work on this specific initiative? Is it creating new partnerships? Are there synergies that exist that haven’t before?
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations Episode 20: The Bear Necessities
Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont
Guests: Mandy Starnes and Dawson Smith
Producer: Matt Wakeham
Let’s talk about bear hunting. Spring Bear versus fall bear the changes in live weight and the different challenges in hunting them. 8000 calories a day in the summer and up to 20,000 in the fall. Dandelions, south facing slopes and green up to green out and the changes in bears feeding habits from out of the den to the rut. Wind, rain, and other factors that affect seeing bears. Busted on a stalk, drive or walk…strategies for getting back on the bruin. How to sex a bear and how long we take to make a decision to shoot or not. The struggle with field judging bears, tips, and tricks we have learned over time. Spot and stalk and other considerations when hunting bears. Bears the other red meat, why we love it so much. Favourite recipes and preparations for bear meat. Under utilized opportunity by hunters. Stats on bear hunting from the Ministry. Bear hunting backlash, large carnivore hunting movements and finally a chance to talk with Ben Obrien from The Hunting Collective Podcast…if we have time…
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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The Cutbanks Conversations: Lion and Tigers and Bears...Oh My! We’re not in Kansas Anymore.
Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont
Producer: Matt Wakeham
C71- OIC amendments, tougher penalties for firearms security, deactivation of restricted firearms, Red flags laws, off-loading hand gun specific legislation to municipalities, cost of the buyback, C21 and Airsoft, pellet guns and making Firearms violence in advertising and offence.
A discussion about the potential for consequence from our online activity in social media. Wolves, bears, Coyote contests and other hunting activities and the judgements they elicit from the Anti-Hunting World and Katrine Conroy implies possible changes to trapping regulations around wolves.
Social License in hunting and Chris Darimont’s recent paper. The challenges for Wildlife Managers, Clay Newcomb Guard the Gate philosophy.
A look at the Tahltan Central Government predator and wildlife management strategy as an example of what objective driven management can look like. Wild Sheep Society’s Act Now Campaign and how the Hunting Community in BC needs to engage and support each other.
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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Episode 18: Back Country Crossroads - The Trail Less Travelled to Addiction RecoveryHosts: Don Willimont and Steve Hamilton
Guests: John Willimont, Chris Beckley and Taylor BarberProduced by: Matthew Wakeham
The road to recovery can be a long and lonely one, but it doesnt have to be that way. We have 3 special guests this episode to share their first hand experiences with addiciton as well as discuss their on-going recovery and how our Canadian Backcountry has offered a hand to them all.
John and Don share some personal experiences and explore different points of view that addicts and their families have. Both Chris and Taylor are team members at Wood Wheaton Supercentre and share some honest stories about their struggle as well as what has helped them along their own paths.
Link to Taylor’s Facebook group Progress Not Perfection —> https://www.facebook.com/groups/2845635399047432If you or someone you know needs help call 211 or visit BC211.ca for information on local services for addiction and mental health
If you would like more information on how to help or become a member please visit Spruce City Wildlife Association on Facebook or Online (https://scwa.bc.ca/) to learn more
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Episode 17: Not All Heroes Wear Capes – A conversation with Eamon McArthur and Hillary Desmarais of the BC Conservation Officer Service Guests: Acting Sgt Eamon McArthur and Field Officer Hillary Desmarais Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Producer: Matt Wakeham The road to becoming a Conservation Officer. A typical day on patrol in northern BC. Enforcement, nuisance animals, spot checks and other interactions. A few reminders on the things that are required while you are afield or on the water, the importance of having your Drivers license, PAL, permits and licenses on your person. Common violations and things that are preventable with the application of judgement. What is the legal definition of a loaded firearm? Knowing and confirming your target before pulling the trigger. CO’s and bears some recommendations on bear proofing your property. Transporting game and the legal requirements to take “all edible portions”. Littering and the reality of enforcement action to convict people of illegal dumping. Misconceptions about Conservation Officers, worst and best part of being a CO as a career. The RAPP Line 1-877-952-7277
Episode 16 - Adaptive Management and the role of science in wildlife management- a conversation with Dr Robert Serrouya Hosts: Steve Hamilton, MLA Mike Morris, Don Willimont Produced by: Matt Wakeham Topics Covered: The current state of wildlife populations in BC, the difference between broad and specific population concerns in species. Some of the key components of wildlife science in it’s application and utilization for wildlife and land management decisions. Recognizing the role that social, political and, economic realities play in influencing management decisions on wildlife resources. Are we focused on recovery of species or managing them? The cost of research and management, a brief case for improving our funding for wildlife. Adaptive Management case study and the outcomes and actions taken to recover caribou in the Kootenays and the Parsnip. Primary prey reduction and it’s use as a strategy to address limiting factors in population dynamics in caribou. The choice for science and the at times contradictory reaction from the public in it’s use. Recognizing some of the great work that is being done inside BC and are willingness to embrace and engage the leading tenets of wildlife science.
Steve Hamilton, Dustin Snyder, MLA Mike Morris, Michael Schneider, Mandy Starnes, Connor Borsa, Matt Wakeham and Don Willimont
A look back on 2020 and the challenges of a global Pandemic. A quick review on everyone’s general experiences with hunting and angling last year. The challenges of COVID and its effects on Guiding, tourism and our individual pursuits in the field. The increase in interest in hunting and fishing as people pursue food security and find new ways to recreate. A wolf named Takaya, Gun bans, discussion around resource impact, Big Bar updates, comparing the opportunity in the Fraser to Bristol Bay Alaska, wolf hunting fallout and getting people of their asses to do more than give their thumbs up or down on a post on Facebook.
We talk with Cam Hill about his Grizzly bear encounter this fall. Co-Connor Borsa talks to us about her first backcountry alpine hunt, the benefits of a great stove and hunting with grizzly bears in your midst. We update the Upper Fraser Salmon situation as well as here from Dustin Snyder on the success of our 2020 Brood Capture program at Spruce City. A discussion on bear hunting, predator management and the Tahltan Predator Management Initiative. We ask some questions about what is more important to hunters opportunity or the wildlife that it is based on? How do we manage for tomorrow versus lament about what we don’t have today? What are we managing towards in wildlife? How do we push for tangible objectives in Fish and Wildlife Management? Things to consider during this fall election? Make sure you vote and hold the people we elect to account.
Steve Hamilton, Peter Campbell, Mark Neudorf, Chad St. Amand and Don Willimont Produced by Matt Wakeham A few stories and perspectives from a few Resident hunters to explore why we hunt and our journey into hunting. Our favourite animals to hunt and why we love them so much. The allure of backcountry hunting and the evolution of the truck hunter. The challenges of Elk Hunting, calling, finding terrain. The etiquette around a hunting spot or area, do you share your favourite locals in crown land, what is the rule on blocking off an area with your camp. Long range shooting, trail cameras, blaze orange, optics and other gear what are the key pieces of kit you believe in or don’t use. Hunting in bear country, a few tales from the trail and a couple of embarrassing hunting moments. Who would you love to have on a celebrity hunt.
Hosts: Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Guest: Chad Norman Day
The history of the Tahltan people and the historical boundaries of their territory. The evolution of guiding in the region from 1884 and the role guiding plays as a vocation for many Tahltan people. Understanding the evolution of Tahltan governance and the difference between Indian Act Band and council and role of Tahltan Central Government. Grizzly bear population concerns, the role of the provincial government in managing grizzly populations, the observations and risks to Tahltan hunters, guides and resident hunters in the territory. Collaborative management strategies between Tahltan, Guides and Resident Hunters that could net a better result for wildlife in BC. Finding the balance between opportunity and healthy wildlife populations for all consumptive users. Managing industry and the impacts on the land. The role of Impact Benefit Agreements and the need for oversight in land use practices. Restricting access to Tahltan territory during COVID as a mitigation strategy for public health, the reality of an isolated community and its limited capacity for critical care.
Hosts - Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont, Dustin Snyder
Guests - Roy Rea and Gayle Hesse
Roy and Gayle join the crew to chat about managing wildlife populations in a modern world. They share a bit about the program that brought them together and their work that followed.
Where you find roads you likely will find wildlife collisions as well, but what are the impacts of these on the local animal population? We spend so much time and money trying to reduce the damage but could we be spending it better? We examine some effective measures and others that are not quite up to snuff.
What should you do if you hit something? What are your responsibilities? We hand out some important info to help keep you safer and how to help prevent these things in the future.
Sit down, get comfy and check out our most recent episode where we dive into some important info and share some unbelievable stories
Hosts- Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont Guests Darcy and Dana White of Fatal Impact Outdoors The genesis of Fatal Impact Outdoors, how the show got started. 5 minutes of bear hunting footage with a $200 camera turned into an opportunity in television. Getting the support and encouragement from Cody Robbins and Jason Petersen to chase down his dream. Making season 1 for Wild TV, finding sponsors, huntable opportunities and learning how to put together 13 Episodes for television. The early days as newcomers to the TV landscape and learning the craft of making television. Balancing act between your home and personal life as a couple, paying the bills and pursuing your dream. The value and importance of the support of friends and family. Hunting for yourself and hunting to make content, the challenges in making your hobby your vocation. The road ahead for Fatal Impact Outdoors and for Dana and Darcy, what does the future hold.
Featuring: Don Willimont, Steve Hamilton, Connor Borsie, Mandy Starnes, Cassy Premack and Matt Wakeham
A look at the hunting landscape in Canada. Women representing about 10 plus percent of hunters and 20 plus percent of anglers and are the highest growth in new people into these recreations. We look at how Connor, Mandy and Cassy all were introduced to hunting and fishing in their lives, the role that it plays in defining their lifestyle and the way they interact with the outdoor world. The differences in motivation behind our reasons to hunt from Food security and ethics, empowerment and connection to the land. Social media and its effect on the perception and engagement of women in hunting and fishing. The heightened backlash that prominent women in the hunting space suffer because of their public facing content in television and social media. Feminism and it’s connotations in a hunting context, is positive or negative? What are some of the challenges that women face as they embrace hunting and fishing as a lifestyle and as a community? A review of the 5 Conversations We Should No Longer have about Women – A commentary on an article by Nicole Qualtieri.
Featuring : Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont, Matt Wakeham, MP Todd Doherty Cariboo-Prince George, MLA Mike Morris – Prince George- Mackenzie and Cassy Premack
A an overview of the primary tenets of the Liberal Gun Ban. Firearm ownership in Canada, the process to acquire a firearm. The difference between restricted and non-restricted firearm ownership. Why black guns are different? The impacts on Shotguns, 10,000 Joule Velocity and other firearms that have surprisingly made the list.
A look at impact on local business with Cassy Premack owner of KKS Tactical and the legal action they have filed. What recourse is there for businesses and firearm owners and what has been layed out for compensation in the buyback process. A brief discussion on the OIC process that brought this forward, was it legal?
Combating gun related violence in Canada, what are the statistics? How does this measure impact gun-related crime in Canada? What other mechanisms have been over-looked, ignored or underfunded. How does this legislation impact the hunting community? What cost will be born by Canadians for it’s implementation and what is the end goal for reduction in violent crime with a firearm? How long until we know if it works and can we or will we reverse course if it doesn’t achieve the desired result.
We discuss Scott Ellis’s history with GOABC and the reasons for its inception in 1966. The history of Guiding in BC as the provinces oldest tourism based business starting with Tahltan First Nation in Telegraph Creek. An overview of some of the key engagements of the GOABC. COVID and it’s impacts on the 2020 Hunting Season. With 245 Guiding operations in BC with no spring season and more than likely no fall season, what are the economic impacts for Guide operations in the province. Returning to work proposals that would allow guiding to resume this fall. The Closure of the Grizzly Bear hunt in 2017 and its implications on the 120 Grizzly tenure operations in the province. A cautionary tale about the nature of social and political management in wildlife stewardship. The challenges and opportunities in front of GOABC in the coming months and years. Working through First Nations reconciliation, active wildlife management with clear objectives and engaging the non-hunting population in BC in a dialogue that seeks to provide insight versus conflict.
Featuring: Mandy Starnes, Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont A look at the evolution of Outdoor Quest over the last 21 years in the changing world of Outdoor Media. The changes in technology and their impact on storytelling and content in hunting television. A look at gear shaming, the ethics of posting hunting pictures online.
The nature of online debate and discussions, the seeming absence of manners. The use of social media in advocacy, promotion and debate of issues in hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. Announcing the winner of the 250Predator Fathers Day Photo Contest
Hosts :Steve Hamilton, Don Willimont – A brief history of Wild Sheep Society in British Columbia and their evolution as an organization. An overview of the core initiatives in their conservation platforms, the general state of sheep populations in BC and the impact of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Movi) on BC’s sheep. The connections to the Wild Sheep Foundation and a look at the growth of the WSSBC in membership. The appeal of sheep hunting and the strength of the community of sheep hunters and WSSBC members. What does it take to become a sheep hunter, what are some of the fundamental considerations when planning a sheep hunt. Aging rams, mental toughness and being prepared for the physical challenges of hunting at altitude and in tough terrain. 1 Campfire and engaging the non-hunting community in an effort to bridge the gaps in understanding and improve social license for the hunting community at large. Wild Sheep Annual Banquet and the role it plays in helping build networks and provide an opportunity to learn more about Sheep, Sheep Hunting and connect to the “family feeling” embodied in the Wild Sheep Society of BC. A Big Shoutout to Omer from Precision Optics for his continued support.
Campfire Confessions – Why we hunt, our best and worst days in the field, the ones that got away and a few other tales.
Our first experiences with hunting. The reasons we go into the field, for food, for a love of the outdoors or to spend time with friends and family. How we develop our skills for hunting and what are our knowledge and skill gaps. Evolutions of hunters and the changes in the lense we apply to the outdoor world and the changes in our motivations for hunting as a pursuit. The things that we struggle with in hunting, the moment of the kill, the lack of unity in the hunting community, wounding animals we can’t recover. The change in hunting as it faces the world in the age of social media. Facebook groups, expanding our community, the role of self-editing and the challenges faced with public infighting within the hunting world. Worst and best days hunting some personal moments and what does the road ahead look like for hunting.
Episode 3- “A Province, An Economy and A Wildlife Crisis walk into a bar…stop me if you’ve heard this one before…” Don Willimont, Steve Hamilton, MLA Mike Morris and Michael Schneider discuss the impacts of Resource Development and Forestry on the land base in BC. A brief look at the COVID protocol on LEH draws in 2020, Bring on the Whoosh, Fiddleheads, morels and spring bear. A new initiative for Driftwood Valley Outfitters with Takla First Nation and a guide internship. The 7 Sisters of the North American Conservation Model, the constructs and influence of Theodore Roosevelt. The challenge for Wildlife Mangers in working between the competing interests of economic output versus land and wildlife populations. Are we managing to specific objectives? Are funding models adequate to the need? The impact of trains on wildlife. Moose don’t eat money, moose need action. What levers are available to wildlife managers? Do they have a full tool kit or is opportunity there one mitigation strategy?
Don Willimont, Dustin Snyder and Steve Hamilton take a look at a declining Salmon population in what has been dubbed the BC Salmon Crisis. How did we get here and where do we go? We dicuss exactly that as we talk about the role Government, Hatcheries and everyday people have to play in the situation facing our Province. We cover the Big Bar Landslide and the state of BC Salmon in this full length episode
MLA Mike Morris, Michael Schneider, Dustin Snyder, Steve Hamilton and Don Willimont featured in this episode.
Topics discussed include introductions to the Podcast members, a brief look at COVID in our lives and it’s potential impacts on hunting. A quick overview of the history of wolf hunting in North America. Our individual interactions with wolves in each of our lives. We dive into the controversy around wolf culls as a mitigation tool in Caribou and Moose recovery.
The struggles of wildlife and land managers in managing without clear objectives. We address the impacts of land disturbance from industry and resource development on both wolves and prey populations. Social and political fall out around predator management in BC, the recent death of Takaya the sea wolf and the success or failure of Primary-Prey reduction in parts of Region 7.