Connecting with Conservation

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.
#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/ 

Season 2: Episode 34: Brandon Maddox: CEO of Silencer Central on silencers, myths, and conservation.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central—the largest silencer dealer in the United States. Brandon shares his unique journey from pharmacist to leading the suppressor industry, making the purchase process simple and accessible nationwide. We bust common myths about suppressors, explore their benefits for hunting, shooting sports, and hearing protection, and discuss why they’re embraced by conservation-minded shooters around the world. Brandon also reveals how Silencer Central partners with conservation groups, donating millions in products to support wildlife habitat, public lands, and hunting heritage. Plus, hear his thoughts on upcoming legislation that could reshape suppressor ownership in America, his own hunting adventures, and the launch of new products like the Banish shotgun suppressor.
If you’re curious about how suppressors work, their role in modern conservation, and the easiest way to get one delivered to your door, this episode is for you.
#Suppressors #Hunting #Conservation #SilencerCentral #BanishSuppressors #Firearms #WildlifeConservation #ConnectingWithConservation #HearingProtection #OutdoorStewards #WildlifeManagementInstitute

Season 2: Episode 33: Selling the Outdoors: Matt Whitman Conservation and Connecting with Consumers

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Matt Whitman, Vice President of Marketing for American Outdoor Products, to explore how outdoor brands connect with today’s consumers—and what that means for the future of conservation. Matt shares insight from years of experience leading marketing strategy for well-known outdoor gear and apparel companies, and how those brands position themselves in a crowded marketplace.
We discuss the importance of authenticity in outdoor messaging, how companies navigate trends like sustainability and access, and why brand loyalty often stems from more than just product quality. From freeze-dried meals to lifestyle branding, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at how outdoor products are marketed—and how that marketing can support broader conservation goals.

Season 2: Episode 32: Rethinking Conservation: Tony Wasley on Wildlife Policy and the Public Trust

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Wasley—former Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and current President and CEO of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI). The conversation dives deep into the roots and evolution of North American conservation, the challenges of outdated funding models, the need for broader public engagement, and the launch of a new initiative to define conservation’s next 50 years.
 
Tony shares insights on his personal journey in wildlife management, the shifting role of public trust in conservation, and how modern issues like technology, habitat loss, and relevancy are shaping the future. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, policymaker, or simply passionate about the outdoors, this episode sheds light on why conservation affects us all—and what we can do to protect our natural heritage.