In this week's episode, Jason talks with Thomas Keller of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Tom is a Furbearer Biologist for the PGC and joins us to discuss the proposal to reintroduce the American Marten to Pennsylvania. During the discussion, Tom details how wildlife has historically been lost in Pennsylvania, how certain species are selected to be reintroduced, and how a feasibility study helps determine eligible species. In regards to the American Marten, Tom provides details on how the reintroduction proposal will work, why the PGC feels this reintroduction will be a success, and the impact American Martens will have on other wildlife. An in-depth discussion takes place on the diet of the American Marten, dispelling some common misinformation being spread on social media, and how the proposal will move forward-including how the public can get involved and learn more.
Questions about the plan can be emailed to PAmarten@pa.gov
Reintroduction Plan | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Ep 146: The American Marten, a Reintroduction Plan in PA

In today's episode, Jason talks with Kevin Singleton of Yearning Wild. Kevin grew up hunting and fishing in Southern New York State,  worked as a teenager in boat yard on the Hudson River, and is now the owner of a 2% certified business that focuses on healthy dog treats and chews. During the conversation, Kevin dishes on what it was like to work in a boat yard, his thoughts on mentored youth hunting, and why he focuses an outdoor lifestyle for his family. He also fills us in on his business, why he's giving back to conservation, and what it means to be 2% certified.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Ep 145: Hunting, Conservation, and Giving Back

In this week's episode, Jason talks with returning guest Bryan Burhans. Bryan is the Executive Director the Pennsylvania Game Commission and he brings news for the new year. Topics include why RAWA is such an important bill for state agencies, how Ruffed Grouse are doing in the state, how the PGC made a weather issue right, and updates on CWD. Bryan also provides updates on the Antlerless license change, insight into the revamped bear seasons, and why PA is in dire need of more Hunter-Trapper Education instructors. Stay tuned until the end for a special announcement on a new PGC program!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | PGC Podcast | CWD Info

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Ep 144: It's that "State of the PGC" Time of Year

In this week's episode, Jason talks with legendary TV host and conservationist Peter Gros. Peter is known for designing innovative wildlife displays where animals can roam free of fencing, developing endangered species breeding programs, and for being one of the hosts of the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Listen in as Peter tells us about his life working in wildlife conservation education, why he feels its important to introduce conservation to a new generation, and what Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom means to the world 60 years after it's first airing. He will also fill us in on some big news...Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom starting a NEW series; premiering on January 2, 2023!
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Ep 143: Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom is BACK!

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Paula Piatt. Paula is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, a position she has held since 2018. She is also a freelance writer with over 40 years of journalism experience and an avid outdoors enthusiast  who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and conservation. During the discussion, Paula shares how she got into Journalism, the mission of POWA, and who is eligible to become a member. She also fills us in on why it's important to focus on non-consumptive users and the general public as well as how POWA is adjusting to new media.
Website | Twitter | Facebook


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Ep 142: Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association

In today's episode, Jason talks with Greg Traynor, owner of Accessible Hunter on Facebook and Instagram. Greg is a 55 year old lifelong PA resident and hunter who had a diving accident in 1999. This accident left Greg paralyzed as a c4/c5 quadriplegic. During the conversation, Greg details his life before his accident, how the accident happened, and how it changed his life. He also fills us in on how he was able to get back into hunting, challenges of hunting as a quadriplegic, and why he started the Accessible Hunter social media presence.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Ep 141: Hunting with Disabilities

On this week's episode, Jason is joined by Gary Maerz. Gary grew up in a scouting family and has been fishing since he was 3 years old with his dad. After a respite from the outdoor lifestyle to play high school footfall, attend college, and start a career, he restarted his outdoor lifestyle 6 years ago. During this time, fishing, hunting, and conservation have become a staple of his life. During the conversation, Gary shares his conservation journey, why conservation is such a passion for him, and how being exposed to the outdoors early in life shaped his conservation mindset. He will also fill us in on why he loves volunteering with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and what his journey has been like for a "fashionably late hunter."

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Ep 140: Talking with a Fashionably Late Hunter and Conservationist

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Bowen Blair about the legacy of Nancy Russell. Bowen is an attorney who has made a career helping various conservation movements. He is also the former Director of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, former 21 year Senior VP of a public land trust (which ran a National Land Acquisition conservation program, and a friend of Nancy Russell. During the conversation, Bowen tells the history of the Columbia Gorge, it's importance to the region's ecosystem, and why it was so important to protect it. He will also share how he is using his new book to tell the world about his dear friend Nancy; a tenacious, motivating force, who went from house wife to conservation hero during her fight to save the Columbia Gorge.
To purchase Bowen's book "A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell's Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge", visit:
BowenBlair.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Ep 139: A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell’s Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge

In this week's episode, Jason is joined by Richard Joyce to talk fireflies. Richard grew up in the mountains of Costa Rica, went to college in Maine, and then worked for various conservation agencies and organizations before landing at his current position at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. He has inventoried species of native bees in the dry forests of Nicaragua, collected data on aquatic habitat connectivity for brook trout and other freshwater species in Maine, and participated in lots of community science projects dedicated to understanding and tracking biodiversity. During the conversation, Richard fills us in on what makes fireflies so special, why they are a canary in a coal mine, and just how many species of fireflies there are in the U.S. He also details the behavior display, suitable habitat, and how YOU can help fireflies with some easy to do work.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Book

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Ep 138: Do you call them Fireflies or Lightning Bugs?

In today's episode, Jason is joined by Leland Brown and Chris Parish, co-founders of the North American Non-Lead Partnership. Leland is a lifelong outdoorsman and the Non-led hunting education program manager for the Oregon Zoo. Chris is a lifelong hunter, conservation biologist, and President of the Peregrine Fund. During the episode, Leland and Chris tell us about the mission and goals of the North American Non-Lead Partnership, how it got started, and why education is such a big part of what they are trying to do. They also discuss why lead is so toxic to raptors, how (and why) hunters can help, and why a lead ammunition ban isn't the goal of the organization.
NonLeadPartnership.org | Facebook | Instagram

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Ep 137: North American Non-Lead Partnership

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Dr. Doug Tallamy. Doug is an Entomologist, Professor at the University of Delaware, and author. His works can be found in 'Brining Nature Home,' 'Nature's Best Hope,' and 'The Nature of Oaks' as well as multiple courses taught over his 41 year academic career. During the conversation, Doug fills us in on the grassroots movement of Homegrown National Park, why biodiversity is important to humans, and what the average person can do to prevent biodiversity loss. He will also share the importance of what he calls Keystone Native Species, why private landowners are a key cog in the biodiversity wheel, and the importance of "getting yourself on the Map."
homegrownnationalpark.org | Get on the Map | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

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Ep 136: Creating a Homegrown National Park

In this week's episode, Jason talks with John Jurko II. John is a filmmaker, podcaster, and lover of books, nature, and adventure. John grew up in rural northeast Ohio in the village of Yankee Lake, and from a young age was immersed in nature. After studying film at university he spent 2 years living in Los Angeles working in the camera department on indie films, he produced and directed corporate videos for big brands in Atlanta, Georgia, and since 2018 he has been the lead producer and director of the film Rhino Man — a feature-length documentary about the South African field rangers who risk their lives to protect the rhinos from being poached to extinction. During the conversation, John fills us in on why rhinos need protection, who and how locals become Park Rangers, and how everyday people can help. He will also tell a story about a special Park Ranger, Anton, who dedicated, and gave, his life protecting these animals.
Rhino Man Movie  | Podcast | Anton Mzimba Education Trust | Global Conservation Corps | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Ep 135: The Story of Rhino Man and South African Park Rangers

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Seth Mesoras. Seth is a Game Warden and the Information and Education Supervisor in the Southwest region for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A big portion of his job revolves around the Hunter-Trapper Education courses offered by the PGC. During the episode, Seth fills us in on how the HTE courses work, why and how hunters need to pass the certification course, and how HTE is funded. Also covered is how to become an HTE instructor, why more volunteers are needed, and some new initiatives from the PGC.
Find an upcoming in-person Hunter-Trapper course near you!
Take the online Hunter-Trapper course

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Ep 134: Future PA Hunters Need YOU!

In the last installment of our special Elk Expo 2022 podcasts, Jason talks with a variety of people that participated in Elk Expo festivities. Listen in to hear from KECA Volunteers and the Elk County Fair Court. We also hear from 2 of this year's winners: Elk Calling Champion, Jacob and Patch Photo Contest winner, Jodie.
A big thank you goes out to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance for putting on a great Elk Expo and providing a wonderful experience for vendors and visitors alike. With the help of many supporters, KECA was able to raise a tremendous amount of money for elk conservation in Pennsylvania.

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Ep 133: A Good Time was had at Elk Expo 2022

In this special Elk Expo Episode, Jason talks with Rawley Cogan. Rawley is the President and CEO of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and can be easily identified by his signature cowboy hat. During the episode, Rawley lets us in on the mission of KECA, how the organization is working with the communities of Elk Country, and some of the work being done to help conserve elk in PA. He also gives us a glimpse of what's next for the organization.

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Ep 132: The Man Behind KECA

In this special episode, Jason talks with Jeremy Banfield at Elk Expo 2022. Jeremy is the Elk Biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, where he has held that position since 2013. During the conversation, Jeremy fills us in on the current state of elk in PA, how tag allocations work, and where you can find elk in the PA Wilds. He also fills us in on how to be Elk Smart when interacting with these wild animals, his career goals for the elk herd, and some common misconceptions around how elk are managed.
Learn more about Elk
Watch the ElkCam

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Ep 131: Elk Hunting in PA with Jeremy Banfield

In this special episode, Jason is LIVE from the Elk Expo 2022. Listen in to hear from select vendors about what the Elk Expo has to offer. From live entertainment to food and from artistically made products to educational seminars, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
Elk Expo runs: Saturday, August 20th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm & Sunday, August 21st from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the KECA Visitors Center
Plan you trip to Elk Expo

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Ep 130: What to do at Elk Expo

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Josiah Jones, Russell Wheeler, and Brandi Hanes of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. During the episode, they fill us in on what the Elk Expo is, how it helps elk and KECA, and what is going to be going on at the Elk Expo. Talking points during the conversation include vendors, seminars, and the immersive experience for the entire family.
Plan your trip to Elk Expo
Join and Support the Keystone Elk Country Alliance
Listen to Episode 72: Conserving Pennsylvania Elk

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Ep 129: Elk Expo Extravaganza

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of the PA chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don has been a board member of the PA chapter of BHA for 5 years and became the Chairman in January 2022. During the episode, Don lets us in on the mission of BHA, national level issues of concern, and state level issues of concern. If you've heard of BHA, you know much of the conversation will focus on access and Sunday hunting in PA. Don also talks about BHA's position on redesignating the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area into a National Park.
Watch BHA CEO Land Tawney talk about conservation on CBS Saturday Morning
To learn more and join BHA, head to backcountryhunters.org
Follow BHA_PA on Instagram

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Ep 128: Talking BHA in PA

In this week's episode, Emily Burns returns to give us an update on the Border Wall. Emily is the Program Director for the Sky Island Alliance and has over 15 years experience helping wildlife. During Jason's conversation with Emily, she fills us in on the current state of construction on the border wall, the impact to wildlife they have documented, and a new wall being started in Texas. Emily also fills us in on how the newly built wall sections have held up over the past 2 years and why EVERYONE needs to watch the new documentary short, American Scar.
To hear Emily talking about the Border Wall on this podcast before, check out Episode 45 and Episode 56.
Check out the documentary, "American Scar": The Environmental Tragedy of the Border Wall on YouTube

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