Connecting with Conservation

Season 2: Episode 2: Alabama Wildlife Management with Chuck Sykes

Have you ever wondered about the issues that your state wildlife agency faces when managing your wildlife? Today we talk with Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, about the usual (and unusual) business of running a state agency. Give us a listen!

Season 2: Episode 1: Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation with Karen Waldrop of Ducks Unlimited.

On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk with the Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited, Dr. Karen Waldrop, about the importance of wetland conservation for waterfowl and many other species of wildlife. We explore the unique funding model and challenges for managing species at a continental scale. Give it a listen!

Episode 12: Recruiting New Conservationists with Jeff Rawlinson

On this episode, we talk with Jeff Rawlinson from National Archery in the Schools Program (formerly with Nebraska Game, Fish, and Parks) about recruiting are wildlife conservationists. Give us a listen.

Episode 11: Kentucky Elk Restoration with Lou Cornicelli

Today we talk with Lou Cornicelli of Southwick Associates about elk restoration in the Bluegrass State. When the project started in the late 1990s, Lou was the Regional Game Biologist for Northeast Utah and was the primary supplier of more than 1000 elk that we trapped and relocated to their new home in Kentucky. Give it a listen.

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.