Connecting with Conservation

Episode 10: Talking wildlife conservation with Tom Taylor

On this episode, we speak with Tom Taylor about his organization's  contributions to wildlife conservation in the United States. As one of the larger sources of conservation funding, their story is compelling. Give it a listen.

Episode 9: RCBS and Reloading with Joel Hodgdon

On this episode, we speak with Joel Hodgdon of RCBS about learning new skills that can help you with your outdoor pursuits, while at the same time contributing funding for wildlife conservation. Give it a listen.

Episode 8: Recruiting Women into the Outdoors with Sam Pedder from PayIt Outdoors

On this episode, we dive into the area of recruiting females into the hunting world. Samantha Pedder has worked in this area for a decade with a focus on getting more women in the outdoors. Give it a listen.

Episode 7: Low Country Waterfowl with Dave Wielicki of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association

On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk with Dave Wielicki, Executive Director of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. South Carolina is somewhat of a sleeper state when it comes to ducks and geese, but the coastal region of the state contains many areas of prime waterfowl habitat. Dave talks about this as well as the efforts to get more youth in the outdoors. Give it a listen.

Episode 6: Optics Planet with Alex Royzen

On this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Alex Royzen, who is the Managing Director and Head of Supply Chain Management with Optics Planet. If you have ever searched for that hard-to-find AR part in the correct color or that elusive piece of gear that you can't seem to find anywhere else, you might want to give this one a listen.

Episode 5: South Carolina DNR with Emily Cope

Today we talk with Emily Cope, Deputy Director for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, about building and maintaining the industry relations is South Carolina. These excise taxes are a significant source of conservation funding that are fundamental to supporting the outstanding fish and wildlife resources found in the Palmetto State.

Episode 4: Hunting Ammunition with Fiocchi USA and Christian Hogg

Today we talk hunting ammunition with Christian Hogg, the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi USA. Fiocchi USA is one of the nation's largest ammunition manufacturers and importers, and as such, is one of the larger partners in conservation funding through the federal excise tax program.

Episode 3: Industry Outreach in Arizona with Scott Lavin

Today we talk with Scott Lavin, the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Scott is a thought leader in building and maintaining the industry relations that are critical to the continued funding of conservation thru excise tax dollars paid on hunting, angling, and recreational shooting equipment.

Episode 2: Connecting with Conservation: Excise Taxes on Hunting & Angling Equipment with Mitch King

On this episode of Connecting with Conservation, our hosts talk with Mitch King about the excise taxes on hunting, shooting, and angling equipment that are foundational to almost all fish and wildlife management activities. Mitch brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience as the first Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in charge of the excise tax program known as the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Mitch has also worked extensively with the manufacturers of these products over the last several decades.

Episode 1: Welcome to Connecting with Conservation

Do you enjoy angling, boating, hunting, recreational shooting or just getting outdoors and into the backcountry? Connecting with Conservation is the only podcast that delves into the business of conservation. We talk with state wildlife agency and industry experts about how conservation is achieved in the United States along with the tremendous impacts to local economies that driven by the recreational user. Join our hosts as they explore this often unknown or misunderstood aspect of how fish and wildlife conservation works in the U.S.