Connecting with Conservation

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.
 
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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discusses the challenges of managing limited land and resources, protecting migratory birds and sport fish, updating outdated hunting laws, and fostering community involvement through archery and fishing programs.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.
 
#Conservation #Fishing #BassFishing #MajorLeagueFishing #BoydDuckett #WildlifeConservation #OutdoorStewards #CatchWeighRelease #FisheriesManagement #CleanDrainDry #CrappieFishing #BassProTour #OutdoorPodcast #FishingPodcast #ConnectingWithConservation #WildlifeManagement #FishingForTheFuture #YouthFishing #SustainableFishing #MLF #wildlifemanagement #WildlifeManagementInstitute

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.
#wildlifeconservation, #ConnectingWithConservation, #BenelliUSA, #JeffSterner, #outdoorpodcast, #hunting, #duckhunting, #turkeyhunting, #conservation, #wildlife, #shotguns, #rifles, #SuperBlackEagle, #LupoRifle, #outdoors, #habitat, #DucksUnlimited, #NWTF, #RMEF, #sportsmen, #deerhunting, #archery, #waterfowl, #wildgamemeat, #PittmanRobertson, #huntereducation, #WildlifeManagementInstitute, #StewardsofConservation

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.
#bass #fishing, #bassfishing, #Bassmaster, #bassconservation, #fishcare , #catchandrelease, #basstournaments, #invasivespecies, #fishhabitat, #youthfishing, #fishingaccess, #conservationpodcast, #ConnectingwithConservation, #wildlifeconservation, #fisheriesmanagement, #ethicalfishing, #sportfishing, #outdoorpodcast, #WildlifeManagementInstitute, #OutdoorStewards

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.
 
#ConnectingWithConservation #HuntRegs #Conservation #Hunting #Fishing #WildlifeManagement #Poaching #PublicLands #OutdoorEthics #HuntingRegulations #WildlifeConservation #GameWardens #HuntingApp #OutdoorStewards #WildlifeManagement #WildlifeManagementInstitute

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.
 
#deertracking, #blood, #huntingethics, #RachelCrume, #connectingwithconservation, #huntingwithdogs, #UnitedBloodTrackers, #wildlifeconservation, #archeryhunting, #bowhunting, #whitetaileddeer, #dogtraining, #conservationeducation, #ethicalhunting, #gameretrieval, #outdoorstewardsofconservation, #wildlifemanagementinstitute

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

Season 2: Episode 36: Dan Cabela on Hard Truths of Conservation and the Future of Wildlife.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dan Cabela, Executive Director of the Cabela Family Foundation and host of Hard Truths of Conservation. Dan shares his journey growing up in the legendary Cabela family, the founding of the Cabela Family Foundation, and how his work has evolved into one of the most compelling conservation storytelling projects on television.
Together, they explore the concept of sustainable use of wildlife, the importance of habitat protection, and the role of hunters, biologists, and communities in protecting species across the globe. From restoring bighorn sheep in Texas to translocating lions and cheetahs in Africa, Dan discusses the hard truths of conservation—why it matters, what’s at stake, and the heroes doing the work behind the scenes.
Whether you’re a lifelong outdoorsman, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of conservation, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the challenges and triumphs of protecting wildlife in the modern world.
Tags:
#wildlifeconservation, #sustainableuse, #habitatprotection, #hunting, #conservation, #CabelaFamilyFoundation, #HardTruthsofConservation, #DanCabela, #bighornsheep, #lionconservation, #cheetahconservation, #wildlifescience, #ConnectingwithConservation, #sustainablehunting

Season 2: Episode 35: Ammo, Advocacy and Access: Dan Wolgin Talks Ammo, Legislation and Conservation

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, co-hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto welcome Dan Wolgin, CEO of Ammunition Depot, for an eye-opening discussion on how legislation can directly impact conservation, the outdoor sporting community, and Second Amendment rights.
Dan shares the unique origin story of Ammunition Depot—from a commodity hedge fund to a leading retailer—and unpacks how the company navigated unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic while staying true to its customers. The conversation dives deep into California’s ammunition laws, the legal battle spearheaded by Ammunition Depot alongside major organizations like the NRA and California Rifle and Pistol Association, and the far-reaching consequences for sportsmen and recreational shooters across the country.
We also spotlight Ammunition Depot’s Veterans Education Tuition Fund (VETF), a charitable initiative supporting the children of fallen soldiers with college tuition grants, and discuss how programs like First Shots are helping to grow participation in shooting sports in a safe, inclusive way.
 
If you care about conservation, access to the outdoors, and the balance between regulation and rights, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
#Ammunition #Hunting #Conservation #AmmunitionDepot #Firearms #WildlifeConservation #ConnectingWithConservation #OutdoorStewards
 
For more information on Ammunition Depot, visit: https://ammunitiondepot.com and https://www.ammunitiondepot.com/about-us/dan-wolgin/
 
Links:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8QZvUf__uo&t=267s
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mkJEzXJ5f1PaPitMPxNbK
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/season-2-episode-35-ammo-advocacy-and-access-dan/id1772098772?i=1000722685787
Podbean: https://jgassett.podbean.com/e/season-2-episode-35-ammo-advocacy-and-access-dan-wolgin-talks-ammo-legislation-and-conservation/