Connecting with Conservation

Season 2: Episode 48: West Virginia Elk Restoration, Wildlife Funding, and Conservation Leadership

Go behind the scenes of West Virginia’s wildlife management with Paul Johansen, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we explore how elk restoration, big-game management, and healthy forests are funded and sustained through hunting and fishing license dollars, federal excise taxes, and powerful public–private partnerships.
Paul shares how West Virginia successfully rebuilt an elk population in the Appalachian coalfields, modeled after Kentucky’s nationally recognized restoration program. We dive into the challenges of wildlife health, including hemorrhagic disease in deer and avian influenza in birds, and how state wildlife agencies use science-based management to protect habitat, species, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
We also highlight West Virginia’s exceptional trout fisheries, public lands, bird watching opportunities, and the state’s commitment to R3—recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters and anglers. Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply enjoy getting outside, this episode explains how conservation really works and why sportsmen and women continue to be the driving force behind America’s wildlife success stories.
For more information, go to:
www.wvdnr.gov
www.wildlifemanagement.institute
www.stewardsofconservation.org
 
#conservation #conservationpodcast #wildlifemanagement #westvirginia #ElkRestoration #HuntingHeritage #fishing #publiclands #afwa #wildlifehealth #outdoorrecreation #outdoorstewards #wildlifemanagementinstitute #connectingwithconservation

Season 2: Episode 47: Inside Smith & Wesson – Conservation, Innovation, and Shooting Sports.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Kyle Tengwall, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Strategy at Smith & Wesson. Kyle shares insights from more than 25 years in the shooting sports and outdoor industry, including his early days at Federal Ammunition, his time with Duck Commander at the height of Duck Dynasty, and his leadership role at one of America’s most iconic firearm manufacturers.
Kyle discusses Smith & Wesson’s deep connection to conservation through the Pittman–Robertson Act, with more than $257 million in excise-tax contributions over the past five years helping fund wildlife management, public shooting ranges, hunter education, habitat access, and other on-the-ground conservation efforts. The conversation also explores S&W’s role in supporting veterans, expanding opportunities for new shooters, and the launch of the new Smith & Wesson Academy, offering training for both civilians and law enforcement.
From the resurgence of lever-action rifles to responsible firearm ownership, competitive shooting, and the importance of welcoming newcomers, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how manufacturers and sportsmen fuel the conservation model that benefits all Americans. For more information, go to: https://www.smith-wesson.com, https://www.wildlifemanagement.institute, or https://www.outdoorstewards.org.
 
#conservation , #SmithAndWesson , #FirearmsIndustry , #hunting , #shootingsports , #OutdoorIndustry , #pittmanrobertson , #wildlifemanagement , #leveractionrifle , #targetshooting , #gunsafety , #firearmtraining , #outdoorrecreation , #connectingwithconservation , #podcastepisode , #outdoorstewards , #wildlifemanagementinstitute

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.
#TurkeyConservation , #wildlifemanagement , #outdoorstewards , #TurkeysForTomorrow , #habitatrestoration , #PrescribedFire , #conservationpodcast , #Woodsmanship , #PredatorManagement , #huntingethics , #SoutheasternWildlife , #wildlifemanagementinstitute , #wildlife , #hunting

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
#connectingwithconservation , #wildlifemanagementinstitute , #outdoorstewards , #USACLAYTargetLeague, #YouthShootingSports, #conservationfunding , #wildlifeconservation , #highschoolsports , #targetshooting , #firearmsafety , #pittmanrobertson , #outdooreducation

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.
 
#connectingwithconservation , #wildlifemanagementinstitute , #outdoorstewards , #conservationpodcast , #usvirginislands , #wildlifeconservation , #sportfishing , #archery , #pittmanrobertson , #DingellJohnson, #CaribbeanWildlife, #migratorybirds, #fishandwildlife , #habitatrestoration , #wahoofishing , #tarpon , #biodiversity , #environmentalleadership , #wildlifemanagement

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