In this episode, I interview Ryan Busse, 2024 Democratic candidate for Montana Governor and former executive with Kimber Firearms.
We discuss crucial issues surrounding public lands, conservation, and hunting advocacy. Ryan highlights his concern for the declining state of democracy and its impact on public lands, emphasizing the need for hunters and anglers to be unapologetic in their advocacy for wild places. We critique the current state of hunting nonprofits, arguing they are not adequately fighting for public land protections. Ryan introduces his new organization, Public Land Warriors, who fund advertisements targeting politicians who threaten public lands. Ryan underscores the significance of protecting Wilderness Study Areas and roadless lands to maintain the essence of wild America, and discusses his personal wilderness and wildlife experiences that have had profound impacts on his life.
03:25 Interview with Ryan Busse Begins
04:04 Bird Hunting and Conservation Insights
08:14 Public Lands Grazing Issues
13:40 Ryan Busse’s Background and Political Journey
18:22 Challenges and Future of Public Lands
43:17 Environmental Concerns in Montana
44:16 Recreation and Development Threats
47:20 Advocacy for Conservation
50:52 Critique of Hunting and Angling Nonprofits
54:19 Political Influence on Conservation
01:02:16 Hunting’s Public Relations Problem
01:06:18 Instilling Conservation Values in the Next Generation
01:07:23 Wilderness Study Areas and Roadless Protections
01:12:53 Public Land Warriors
01:17:56 Conclusion and Call to Action
