Shows
Connecting with ConservationSeason 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 The conversation dives deep into the roots and evolution of North American conservation, the challenges of outdated funding models, the need for broader public engagement, and the launch of a new initiative to define conservation’s next 50 years.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 moder...2025-07-2936 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 31: How Hunters Are Fighting Hunger in America with Josh Wilson of FHFH.In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto welcome Josh Wilson, Executive Director of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). Josh shares the powerful story behind this national ministry—founded by his father in 1997—and its mission to connect hunters with families in need through donated wild game. From humble beginnings in Maryland to impacting over 30 states, FHFH has provided nearly 24 million meals and counting.
We explore the origins of the program, its spiritual inspiration, and the surprising public health benefits of wild game like venison. Josh also discusses the l...2025-07-2234 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 30: Fair Chase & Fighting Poaching: Inside Boone & Crockett with Tony Schoonen.In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Schoonen, CEO of the Boone and Crockett Club, America’s oldest wildlife conservation organization founded by Theodore Roosevelt. Tony takes us on a journey through the club’s storied history — from pioneering the National Forest Service and National Wildlife Refuge System to their renowned records program that showcases the success of North American conservation. We dive into critical topics like fair chase hunting ethics, the growing challenges of modern technology in the field, and Boone & Crockett’s groundbreaking “Poach & Pay” initiative aimed at tackling...2025-07-1534 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 29: Ruger: How America’s Largest Firearms Manufacturer Supports ConservationJoin us for this episode of Connecting with Conservation as we sit down with Todd Seyfert, President & CEO of Ruger and Marlin, to discuss how the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. contributes to state-based fish and wildlife conservation through excise taxes. Todd shares his personal journey from growing up hunting in Wisconsin to leading iconic American outdoor brands. We explore Ruger’s investments in youth shooting sports, environmental health, and product innovation — all of which help fund habitat restoration, public lands, and outdoor recreation for everyone. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, target shooter, or simply enjoy the ou...2025-07-0835 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 28: How Social Media is Changing Conservation with Chuck R. of Open Source DefenseIn this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Chuck R, founder of Open Source Defense and a longtime tech industry leader from Google and Facebook. We explore how technology and cultural perspectives around firearms shape modern wildlife conservation funding. Chuck shares fascinating stories from taking over a thousand Silicon Valley colleagues to the range for their first experience, discusses how Open Source Defense works to demystify responsible gun ownership, and explains why most of today’s conservation funding actually comes from recreational shooting — not hunting.
2025-07-0133 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Special Alert: Public Lands Sell Off!Your public lands under management of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are in the crosshairs of congress. Give a listen to what several conservation community leaders think about this misguided approach.
2025-06-2501 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 27: Dustin Wallace talks about Faxon's contribution to conservation.In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dustin Wallace, Director of Sales & Marketing at Faxon to explore the fascinating intersection between American manufacturing, innovation, and wildlife conservation funding. Dustin shares Faxon’s journey from a machining operation to one of the most respected barrel manufacturers in the country. He discusses their commitment to quality, agility in a shifting market, and how the excise taxes on sales directly support state fish and wildlife agencies through the Pittman-Robertson Act. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how companies like Faxon help sustain ou...2025-06-2434 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 26: Talking High Performance Rimfires with Scott VolquartsenEnjoy plinking or are you more of a competition type? This week on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Scott Volquartsen, the owner and innovator of high-end accessories and upgrades for your favorite rimfire calibers. Give it a listen!
2025-06-1728 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 25: Hornady's Commitment to Conservation with Seth SwerczekDid you know that Hornady is one of the largest U.S. based manufacturer of hunting products? Today on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Hornady's Marketing Communications Manager Seth Swerczek about their commitment to wildlife conservation funded thru the federal excise tax.
2025-06-1031 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 24: Beth Shimanski, Vice President of Marketing with Savage Arms Inc.Today on Connecting with Conservation, we talk with a major excise tax payer in the conservation arena. Beth Shimanski of Savage Arms, Inc. talks about some of the unique aspects of their business model. Give it a listen!
2025-06-0332 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 23: Executive Director Ryan Brown talks about Virginia Wildlife.Today on Connecting with Conservation we discuss all that Virginia has to offer in the form of wildlife-associated outdoor recreation. Ryan Brown, Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources joins us to talk bears, elk, and other iconic Virginia species. Give it a listen!
2025-05-2836 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 22: World and National Champion USPSA Competitor Julie GolobToday we speak with a USPSA National and World Champion competitor, veteran, coach, author, chef, and mom. Julie Golob is all of these and more. Hear her talk about her favorite outdoor pursuits that also help support wildlife conservation. Give it a listen!
2025-05-2029 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 21: Buying and Selling Outdoor Products with Josh Perrone & Allen ForknerOn this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talked about with Josh Perrone and Allen Forkner about buying and selling outdoor products essential to your favorite recreational pursuits. Josh is the Advocacy Relations Manager and Allen is the Brand Public Relations Manager for one of the largest online brokers of essential outdoor products. Give it a listen!
2025-05-1336 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 20: Effects of Tariffs on Angling Equipment with Glenn HughesToday on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. Glenn updates us on the potential impacts of tariffs on imported fishing gear, the upcoming ICAST trade show, and the value of partnerships.
2025-05-0632 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 19: Becoming a conservationist with Joshua CrumptonToday on Connecting with Conservation, we talk with Joshua Crumpton. After becoming an adult-onset conservationist, Joshua founded Spoke Hollow Outfitters near Austin, Texas. On his ranch, he teaches newcomers about locally sourced protein and how that ties in with conservation. Give it a listen!
2025-04-2933 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 18: A conservation icon sports afield magazine with editor-in-chief Diana Rupp.Did you know that the conservation movement in the late 1800s was largely driven by print magazines featuring outdoor-related activities? Today on Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Diana Rupp who is the Editor-in-Chief for Sports Afield magazine which was founded in 1887. Not only one of the oldest sporting magazines in the U.S., Sports Afield was instrumental in kickstarting the early conservation movement. Give it a listen!
2025-04-2233 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 17: How The Kinetic Group TKG Supports Wildlife Conservation with Jon ZinnelToday we discuss conservation funding with Jon Zinnel of The Kinetic Group. TKG is one of the largest payers of federal excise tax in the U.S., all of which goes directly to funding wildlife restoration, management, hunting land acquisition, public ranges, and other wildlife-associated projects. Give it a listen!
2025-04-1533 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 16: Traditions Muzzleloaders with Marketing Director Alison HallOn this episode, we speak with Alison Hall, who is the marketing director for Traditions Muzzleloaders about some of the newer ignition systems that they have pioneered and brought to market. Give us a listen!
2025-04-0829 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 15: Chasing turkeys with Christian Hogg from Fiocchi USA.On this episode, we talk hunting with Christian Hogg, the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi USA, one of the larger partners in conservation funding through the federal excise tax program. Today we discuss new techniques and equipment used in the pursuit of wild turkeys. Give it a listen!
2025-04-0133 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 14: Accessing and recreating on military lands with Sean Cross of iSportsmanThe military is the third largest public landowner in the U.S. but few people understand how to gain access. Learn how you can lawfully enter military properties to enjoy your favorite outdoor pursuits! Today we speak with Sean Cross, Chief Contracting Officer for iSportsman. His company is the gatekeeper to military base access by the public. Give us a listen!
2025-03-2530 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 13: Managing your wildlife using predator control with Jason WisniewskiOn this episode, of Connecting with Conservation we visit with Jason Wisniewski, President of Furtakers of America. Jason talks about the benefits of using predator removal to complement your wildlife management activities. Jason's endeavors in the world of predators is also a family activity. Give us a listen!
2025-03-1836 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2 Episode 12 Mule Deer & Mexican Wolves with Jim HeffelfingerOn this episode, we travel to the southwestern deserts and brush country with Jim Heffelfinger, Research Scientist for Arizona Game and Fish Department. Jim talks with us about mule deer migrations and Mexican wolf recovery. Give it a listen!
2025-03-1135 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 11: Edged Hunting Tools with CJ BuckOn this week's episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with CJ Buck. CJ is the current CEO of a knife making company spanning 6 generations in the U.S. Join us to hear about how his company sets itself apart from the rest of the outdoor cutlery manufacturers.
2025-03-0533 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 11: Edged Hunting Tools with CJ BuckOn this week's episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with CJ Buck. CJ is the current CEO of a knife making company spanning 6 generations in the U.S. Join us to hear about how his company sets itself apart from the rest of the outdoor cutlery manufacturers.
2025-03-0434 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 10: National Archery in the Schools Program with Tommy FloydOn this episode, we visit with Dr. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program. This program was designed to teach children target archery skills in the classroom and has an unblemished safety record for over 20 years. Give it a listen!
2025-02-2533 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 9: High School Fishing Tournaments with Reece MartinOn this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk to Reece Martin about high school fishing tournaments and how they honed his passion for angling. Give us a listen!
2025-02-1827 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 8: Fishing on Lake Hartwell with Neil Paul.On today's episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Neil Paul, Executive Director of VisitAnderson.com about his novel approach to tournament angling on lake Hartwell in South Carolina. Give it a listen!
2025-02-1126 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 7: Fish & Wildlife Licensing with Chris Willard of PayIt Outdoors.Licensing and permit systems for state fish and wildlife agencies has come into the technology age. Gone are the days of purchasing a paper license at the local sporting goods store. ?Now it can be don from your phone or computer anywhere in the world. Learn about the added benefits of electronic licensing systems.
2025-02-0426 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 6: Protecting your hearing with Dave Matheny, CEO of Silencer ShopOn this episode, we visit with Dave Matheny, the CEO of Silencer Shop, to talk about keeping your hearing protected when participating in outdoor-related activities. You owe it to your ears to give this a listen!
2025-02-0432 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2 Episode 5: Safari Club International with Chris Tymeson from Safari Club InternationalToday we speak with Chris Tymeson, Western State & Local Liaison for Safari Club International to learn more about the conservation efforts of their organization. Give us a listen!
2025-01-2346 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2 Episode 4: Finding the Outdoor Equipment You Need with Kevin Wilson of Davidson's IncThis week, we join Kevin Wilson, the Dealer Communications Manager for Davidson's Inc. to learn about some new ways to find those hard to locate outdoor items that you need. Give us a listen!
2025-01-2133 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 3: Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation with Dave ChandaOn this episode, we talk with Dave Chanda, Executive Director for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation about the efforts that they are working with to recruit, retain, and reactivate more anglers and boaters. Give us a listen!
2025-01-1655 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 2: Episode 2: Alabama Wildlife Management with Chuck SykesHave 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!
2025-01-1440 min
Connecting with ConservationSeason 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!
2025-01-0731 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 11: Kentucky Elk Restoration with Lou CornicelliToday 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.
2024-12-2745 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 12: Recruiting New Conservationists with Jeff RawlinsonOn 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.
2024-12-2749 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 8: Recruiting Women into the Outdoors with Sam Pedder from PayIt OutdoorsOn 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.
2024-12-1626 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 9: RCBS and Reloading with Joel HodgdonOn 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.
2024-12-1631 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 10: Talking wildlife conservation with Tom TaylorOn 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.
2024-12-1644 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 6: Optics Planet with Alex RoyzenOn 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.
2024-12-0233 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 7: Low Country Waterfowl with Dave Wielicki of the South Carolina Waterfowl AssociationOn 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.
2024-12-0225 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 5: South Carolina DNR with Emily CopeToday 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.
2024-11-2634 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 4: Hunting Ammunition with Fiocchi USA and Christian HoggToday we talk hunting ammunition with Christian Hogg, the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi USA. Fiocchi USA is one of the nation's largest ammunition manufacturers and importers, and as such, is one of the larger partners in conservation funding through the federal excise tax program.
2024-11-2033 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 3: Industry Outreach in Arizona with Scott LavinToday we talk with Scott Lavin, the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Scott is a thought leader in building and maintaining the industry relations that are critical to the continued funding of conservation thru excise tax dollars paid on hunting, angling, and recreational shooting equipment.
2024-10-0340 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 2: Connecting with Conservation: Excise Taxes on Hunting & Angling Equipment with Mitch KingOn this episode of Connecting with Conservation, our hosts talk with Mitch King about the excise taxes on hunting, shooting, and angling equipment that are foundational to almost all fish and wildlife management activities. Mitch brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience as the first Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in charge of the excise tax program known as the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Mitch has also worked extensively with the manufacturers of these products over the last several decades.
2024-10-0324 min
Connecting with ConservationEpisode 1: Welcome to Connecting with ConservationDo you enjoy angling, boating, hunting, recreational shooting or just getting outdoors and into the backcountry? Connecting with Conservation is the only podcast that delves into the business of conservation. We talk with state wildlife agency and industry experts about how conservation is achieved in the United States along with the tremendous impacts to local economies that driven by the recreational user. Join our hosts as they explore this often unknown or misunderstood aspect of how fish and wildlife conservation works in the U.S.
2024-10-0332 min