Connecting with Conservation

Season 2: Episode 46: Wild Turkey Conservation and the Changing Landscape with Jason Lupardus.

This episode of “Connecting with Conservation” features an in-depth conversation with Jason Lupardus, CEO of Turkeys for Tomorrow, alongside Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto from Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation. The hosts and guest discuss the challenges facing wild turkey populations across the southeastern United States. Jason shares personal stories from his early days turkey hunting in Alabama and his long career in wildlife biology, illustrating why grassroots efforts matter in modern conservation.
Key topics covered include regional declines in turkey productivity, the impact of habitat fragmentation, predation, and changing hunter behavior, as well as research efforts led by Turkeys for Tomorrow. Jason elaborates on the organization’s science-driven approach, how demographic shifts—more 20-30 year-old members—are shaping conservation, and the importance of active management strategies to ensure turkey populations thrive. Conversation highlights how feeding practices impact wildlife behaviors and disease transmission, making a case for more thoughtful wildlife management.
Listeners learn how organizations like Turkeys for Tomorrow, the Wildlife Management Institute (https://wildlifemanagement.institute), and Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (https://outdoorstewards.org) are collaborating to support research, habitat management, and hunter education. Jason provides actionable recommendations for both hunters and non-hunters, emphasizing simple steps such as stopping wildlife feeding and encouraging the return of traditional woodsmanship.
Resources and contact information are shared, including the Turkeys for Tomorrow website (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org), which offers opportunities for volunteering, attending events, and donating in support of critical conservation research. The episode closes by reminding listeners that conservation takes broad participation and ongoing curiosity to preserve both turkeys and the hunting heritage for future generations.
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Season 2: Episode 45 – Building the Next Generation of Shooters with John Nelson.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation sit down with John Nelson, President of the USA Clay Target League, to explore one of America’s fastest-growing high school sports — competitive clay target shooting.
Nelson shares how the league began around a Minnesota kitchen table in 2007 and has since expanded to nearly 2,000 school-sponsored teams across 39 states, involving more than 55,000 student athletes. The conversation highlights the league’s unmatched safety record — over 300 million shots fired without a single reported injury — and how participation fosters discipline, teamwork, and respect for firearms while connecting young people and their families to the outdoors.
Listeners will also learn how the USA Clay Target League helps drive wildlife conservation funding through excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, supports inclusive participation for all students, and partners with state agencies and shooting ranges to expand opportunities nationwide.
Whether you’re a conservation professional, outdoor educator, or simply curious about the link between target shooting and conservation, this discussion offers an inspiring look at how youth shooting sports strengthen communities, build safer habits, and invest in the future of conservation.
For more information on USA Clay Target League visit www.usaclaytarget.com
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Season 2: Episode 44: Understanding Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer with Dr. Mark Ruder

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto from Outdoor Stewards of Conservation sit down with Dr. Mark Ruder, Director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia. They explore the science, history, and management implications of hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Dr. Ruder breaks down how diseases like Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Bluetongue Virus are transmitted by biting midges, why outbreaks vary across regions, and how deer populations recover over time. The discussion also touches on misconceptions between EHD and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), the impact of outbreaks on hunters and conservation agencies, and how wildlife health research is funded through hunter and excise tax dollars.
Whether you’re a biologist, hunter, or conservation enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of wildlife health, research, and conservation funding in North America.
 
#wildlifemanagementinstitute , #outdoorstewards , #wildlifemanagement , #deerdisease, #ehd , #cwd , #conservationpodcast , #conservation #outdoorstewards , #wildlifehealth , #hunting , #hemorrhagicdisease, #SCWDS, #universityofgeorgia , #deermanagement , #wildliferecovery

Season 2: Episode 43: Conservation in the Caribbean: Protecting Wildlife in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, Dr. Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and co-host Jim Curcuruto of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation travel (virtually) to the U.S. Virgin Islands to talk with Dr. Nicole Angeli, Director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Dr. Angeli shares her remarkable path from field researcher to leading wildlife conservation efforts across the Caribbean. She discusses the challenges of managing limited land and resources, protecting migratory birds and sport fish, updating outdated hunting laws, and fostering community involvement through archery and fishing programs.
Listeners will learn how the Virgin Islands’ unique ecosystems connect directly to mainland conservation priorities through programs funded by Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson excise taxes. From coral reef restoration to data-driven management and international partnerships, this episode highlights how even small island territories play a vital role in North American wildlife conservation.
 
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Season 2: Episode 42: Boyd Duckett on Major League Fishing, Conservation & the Future of Angling.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with legendary angler Boyd Duckett, co-founder and CEO of Major League Fishing (MLF). Boyd shares how MLF is reshaping tournament fishing through innovation, conservation, and youth engagement — from high-school and college programs to real-time “catch, weigh, and release” technology that protects fish and supports better data for state fisheries.
They dive deep into how fishing licenses and excise taxes fund billions for wildlife conservation, the importance of the Clean, Drain, Dry program, and the role anglers play in protecting waterways from invasive species. Boyd also gives listeners an inside look at the MLF Fisheries Management Division, cutting-edge data initiatives, and his passion for crappie fishing on Lake Guntersville.
Whether you’re a lifelong angler or just conservation-curious, this conversation will leave you inspired to grab your rod — and your fishing license — and do your part for the outdoors.
 
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Season 2: Episode 41: Guns, Game, & Giving Back: How Benelli USA Powers Wildlife Conservation.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Jeff Sterner, a lifelong outdoorsman and the Channel Sales Manager for Benelli USA, to talk about how one of the most trusted names in firearms fuels conservation across America. From the legendary Super Black Eagle to the innovative Lupo Rifle, Jeff shares the history, technology, and reliability that make Benelli a favorite among hunters—and how their commitment extends far beyond the field.
Hear how Benelli supports conservation groups through excise taxes, fundraising, donations, and partnerships, and learn why hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters remain the primary funders of wildlife conservation in the U.S. Whether you’re a waterfowler, deer hunter, or just passionate about protecting wild places, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and appreciation for the people who make conservation happen.
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Season 2: Episode 40: Bass conservation - Gene Gilliland, National Conservation Director for B.A.S.S

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Gene Gilliland, National Conservation Director for B.A.S.S. Gene shares his journey from fisheries biologist to leading national bass conservation efforts and explains how Bassmaster balances the excitement of tournament fishing with the responsibility of fish care and habitat protection.
The conversation covers the history of B.A.S.S., the role of Bass Nation chapters, and the organization’s conservation agenda—from invasive species management and habitat restoration to improving fish handling and care during tournaments. Gene also discusses techniques like “fizzing” for deep-caught bass, proper catch-and-release practices, and the importance of educating youth through digital platforms.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler, conservation professional, or someone who just loves the outdoors, this episode provides valuable insight into how fishing organizations and partners are working to protect America’s aquatic resources.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us bring more conversations about conservation to a wider audience.
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Season 2: Episode 39: From Confusion to Clarity: How Hunt Regs App is Changing the Game for Hunters

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, co-hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Ben Martin, founder of the Hunt Regs app. Ben shares his journey from a self-taught angler in Indiana and Florida to discovering the world of public-land hunting in college—and the challenges that came with navigating complex and often confusing hunting regulations.
The conversation dives deep into how Hunt Regs was created to simplify the way hunters access laws and rules, ensuring compliance while enhancing outdoor opportunities. Ben explains the painstaking process of building accurate, state-by-state regulation databases, why accidental violations undermine wildlife management, and how technology can provide clarity in an often-murky landscape.
A highlight of this discussion is Hunt Regs’ collaboration with state agencies to add a streamlined poaching-reporting system. Ben walks through how the tool empowers hunters and non-hunters alike to quickly and anonymously report violations, illegal dumping, and other outdoor crimes—helping game wardens get timely, high-quality information.
If you’ve ever struggled to interpret a thick hunting regulation digest or wondered how technology can directly support conservation, this episode is for you. Learn how one innovative app is connecting people to the outdoors, protecting wildlife resources, and making sure that hunters and anglers can step into the field with confidence.
 
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Season 2: Episode 38: Blood Tracking Dogs: How Hunters and Canines Recover Game with Rachel Crume

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Rachel Crume of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to explore the world of blood tracking with dogs. Rachel shares her personal journey into hunting and how she became a passionate advocate for game recovery using tracking dogs.
The conversation covers the ethics of responsible hunting, why tracking is essential for conservation, and how dogs—ranging from bloodhounds to wire-haired dachshunds—play a crucial role in recovering wounded deer. Rachel also discusses her involvement with United Blood Trackers, training tips for hunters, and the bond between handlers and their dogs.
Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just curious about the role of dogs in wildlife conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into a little-known but vital part of the hunting tradition.
 
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Season 2: Episode 37: Conservation Funding – Tom Decker on USFWS Office of Conservation Investment

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto talk with Tom Decker, Branch Manager at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment about how excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing gear, and motorboat fuels generate more than $1 billion annually to fund fish and wildlife conservation across the country.
Tom explains how these funds drive habitat management, fish hatcheries, public access, shooting ranges, and education programs, and how partnerships with industry and state agencies sustain America’s wildlife and outdoor traditions. Tom also highlights programs like the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, trapping initiatives, and “Partner with a Payer,” which connects industry leaders with conservation professionals. This episode reveals how one of the most successful funding models in conservation history continues to support wildlife, outdoor recreation, and future generations.
#ConnectingWithConservation #WildlifeConservation #FishAndWildlife #ConservationFunding #OutdoorStewards #USFWS #HuntingAndFishing #PublicLands #TrappingMatters #PartnerWithAPayer #WildlifeManagementInstitute