Mule Deer Foundation - Talking Mule Deer Podcast (Mule Deer Foundation)

Relive Talking Mule Deer's first “live” podcast from Wednesday, July 22 in coordination with the final vote on the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) by the U.S. House of Representative . Join Steve and Jodi while they visited with their guests - MDF President Miles Moretti, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane, and Wildlife Mississippi Executive Director and Chair of the Boone and Crockett Club’s policy committee James Cummins, as the vote happened and ultimately passed 310-107. The bill will now head to the President for signature to become law.  This is a huge legislative win for the conservation community and one that has been fought for decades.

The GAOA will permanently fund Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at its authorized level of $900 million per year for land conservation as well as state and local parks. In addition to LWCF funding, the GAOA authorizes significant funding ($1.9 billion/year) over five years to address the backlog in maintenance on federal public lands.

We also visited about the recently released report Wildlife for the 21st Century: Volume 6 report that was released last week by the American Wildlife Conservation Partners where conservation funding was the first of 10 key wildlife policy issues.

2020 Rangewide Status of Black-tailed and Mule Deer– Season 3 Episode 16 – August 17

Steve and Jodi visit with Jim Heffelfinger from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Miles Moretti, President/CEO of MDF, about the recently released 2020 Range-wide Status of Black-tailed and Mule Deer. This report produced by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (WAFWA) Mule Deer Working Group provides an overview of the current black-tailed and mule deer population status and general abundance trends. Intended for and compiled by deer experts for WAFWA’s 24 states, territorial, and provincial agencies, this report is the “state-of-the-state” update and provides important information and insight for management of deer populations. Jim and Miles explain some of the complexities and nuances of how biologists collect the information that goes into deer management decisions and how this information is meant to inform decisions and is often controversial and misunderstood. The discussion covers a few select states important for mule deer and also includes how MDF uses this information and the relationships with the state agencies to help focus our habitat work and to maximize MDF’s conservation impact for deer.

This episode of Talking Mule Deer features Brigham Young University wildlife researchers telling us about their mule deer studies in Utah. Brock and Randy, both avid mule deer hunters, are professors in the BYU Wildlife Ecology Lab and landed at the university 13 years ago when they applied for the same job—and both got hired! Brock and Randy discuss one of their early projects evaluating fawn mortality in the Monroe permit area by collaring fawns shortly after birth. This project gave them insights into how predation, along with habitat health that maintains body condition in does, correlate to overall survival. BYU graduate student Tabitha Hughes details her work on both elk calves and mule deer fawns that has continued to other herds, including the Cache Valley as well as her current study area in the Book Cliffs area of Utah. We wrap up by hearing how Randy and Brock hope to use the data to understand how habitat conservation and restoration projects are impacting overall mule deer populations.

Wyoming with Ike Eastman and Shawn Blajszczak – Season 3 Episode 9 – May 5

This episode features Steve talking with Ike Eastman, president and CEO of Eastmans’ Hunting Journals, and Mule Deer Foundation Wyoming regional director, Shawn Blajszczak. Ike tells us a little bit of history about how his grandfather and his father spent the “heyday” of mule deer wandering around Wyoming filming deer and other big game. With this perspective of three generations, Ike talks about what they see as the greatest challenges for mule deer in the state including how winter range and migration corridors are critical to ensure the herds are sustained. Shawn then talks about the grant that MDF received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help restore habitat for mule deer herds prioritized in the Wyoming SO 3362 action plan. They then talk about how important it is for avid hunters to help by being active members of MDF, supporting conservation projects, and being involved in state policy that affects our wildlife resources. Ike tells us about the Eastmans’ upcoming film, previewed at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, that uses their historic and current footage, combined with the new knowledge about mule deer migrations and winter range, to raise awareness and serve as a call to action.

National Wild Turkey Federation President/CEO Becky Humphries – Season 3 Episode 3 – February 17

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve and Jodi talk with one of the leading ladies of the conservation community – Becky Humphries, President and CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Becky tells us how she got her start as a wildlife biologist ultimately working her way to lead the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After leaving the state she spent several years running the Great Lakes office for Ducks Unlimited before she moved to NWTF seven years ago. We talk about the organization’s Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative including their efforts on active habitat management that is good for wildlife, but also helps improve forests and hopefully reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. She talks about how NWTF, like MDF, is working with the U.S. Forest Service on stewardship agreements that are allowing the organizations to oversee habitat restoration projects including a pilot project in Colorado through the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative. For the Save the Hunt part of their mission, Becky tells us about their efforts to bring in more hunters and shooters to carry on our traditions. We wrap up by talking about the priorities NWTF has on their radar screen for the coming year.

Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt – Season 3 Episode 4 – March 2

This week, Steve Belinda and Miles Moretti are sitting down with the 53rd Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, along with Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife president Troy Justensen at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo. It’s Bernhardt’s first trip to the Expo and he talks about how impressed he is with the event. They talk about all that has been going on in the two years since Bernhardt’s predecessor signed Secretarial Order 3362 Hunt Expo on big game migration corridors and winter range habitat. We hear about how much money has been directed to better understand these migrations, as well as to improve the seasonal habitats that are so important to mule deer. Bernhardt tells us about how growing up in Rifle, Colorado, has impacted his decision-making in his role overseeing the nation’s federal public lands. He also talks about some of the actions that he’s most proud of during his tenure at the Department.

Just in time for your holiday travels, for our final episode for 2021 we are spending time checking our lists, and reviewing the work being accomplished in Wyoming. We chat with one of the newest MDF Biologists, Habitat Partnership Coordinator Nicole Reed on her work in WY and CO, and WY Regional Director Shawn Blajszczak gives an update on how to get your hands on some special edition Wyoming Whiskey, and other initiatives in the state.

Understanding the Economics of Hunting and Shooting with Rob Southwick and Jim Curcuruto – Season 3 Episode 6 – March 30

This episode of Talking Mule Deer is focused helping to understand the economic impact of the hunting and shooting have on conservation and why that’s so important. Rob Southwick, a natural resource economist who runs Southwick Associates, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation's Jim Curcuruto talk about what they are doing to take participation and spending data and make it relevant to the public. Hunters and target shooters spend billions of dollars every year in pursuit of their pastime (we’ll tell you how much!) – but when you factor the economic ripple effect for each dollar spent that impact is even greater, particularly in the rural communities where we hunt and fish. Rob and Jim also work with groups like the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and American Sportfishing Association to put those numbers in context with other mainstream industries and share that information with elected officials and the media. We discuss about how this spending goes back into state wildlife conservation – and increasingly for state-run shooting ranges – through excise taxes on certain hunting and shooting products through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 (also known as Pittman-Robertson Act) Program. Finally, Jim talks about how NSSF is working with state wildlife agencies and the shooting sports industry to “Partner with a Payer” so that industry staff can understand what states are doing with the taxes they pay, and state agency staff can understand more about the manufacturing of guns and ammunition. He also talks about recent research that shows there’s a lot of interest in the general public about learning how to shoot and what three things might help get them out on the range.

We are excited to have host of Skullbound Chronicles on CarbonTV, after a long absence! Jana is a Life member of MDF, a MDF Ambassador, and a newly appointed Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Game Commissioner. Those that have attended the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo will also likely recognize her from her hosting duties in recent years, or her painted or beaded skulls, donated to raise funds for conservation efforts.

We spend time catching up on Jana's move to CarbonTV, her dedication to supporting veteran organizations, promotion of women in the outdoors, her new role with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’, and a whole lot more! 

With Montana archery seasons already in process, and the rifle season racing up, we are going in-depth with MT Game Management Bureau Chief Brian Wakeling, and MDF’s MT Regional Director Chris Fortune. Brian details how weather conditions across the state will affect hunting opportunities, particularly the drought conditions and wildfires this summer, and Chris gets granular about how MDF is working to ensure a healthy herd in MT.

Idaho Conservation Efforts with MDF state habitat coordinator, Jessie Shallow – Season 4 Episode 3 

Today we are talking with one of the new conservation staff for MDF, Jessie Shallow, who works through MDF and Idaho Fish and Game to coordinate habitat restoration projects in mule deer migration corridors and winter ranges identified within the Idaho State Action Plan. Jessie contributed the “Conservation Continues” story in the January issue of MDF magazine, but our conversation allows us to learn more about her background and the work she’s doing in Idaho. Jessie is born and raised in the state and did her graduate research on mule deer habitat use for nutrition throughout the year. We talk a bit about what she learned in that research and how that translates into the work that she is now doing for MDF on habitat restoration. For example, Jessie led a project that converted 23 miles of fence to wildlife-friendly fencing in a project that was supported in part through grants from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. We also talk about efforts to construct funnel fencing to new overpasses and underpasses for wildlife crossings over highways. We wrap up talking about projects planned for this summer including an aerial spraying project with the U.S. Forest Service in the Lemhi Valley to fight the invasion of cheatgrass into the priority area. Jessie lets us know that there are likely to be some great volunteer opportunities this summer and we look forward to MDF members once again being able to get actively involved in making a difference for mule deer on the ground.

Mexican Mule Deer Hunt with Kryptek Outdoors Co-Founder, Butch Whiting – Season 3 Episode 5 – March 16

Today on Talking Mule Deer, Steve Belinda and Arizona Game & Fish Department’s Dr. Jim Heffelfinger are talking with Kryptek Outdoors Co-founder, Butch Whiting, about his quest for a gigantic mule deer buck down in Mexico. Butch talks about how this journey included 30 days of field time over three years in search of a free-range Sonoran Desert mule deer. He tells us what it’s like to hunt in Mexico, from the dense cactus and brush to the hours searching for these ghost deer that appear and disappear in mere moments, perhaps never to be seen again. Jim joins the conversation with insights into deer biology and behavior in desert environments. Whiting describes how they found his “muy grande” buck and his experience on his hunt. He also gives us specific details of what’s involved in booking and traveling into Mexico for the hunt. We wrap up by hearing about what is new for Kryptek this year and a video project they will be releasing soon documenting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s mule deer management program

Randy Morrison, MDF California Habitat Partnership Coordinator - Season 4 Episode 9

After a little break from episodes, Talking Mule Deer is back with Randy Morrison, MDF’s Habitat Partnership Coordinator in California. Randy discusses his transition into this new role after being Regional Director for the state. Randy starts off telling us about a current project in the Stanislaus National Forest and details how MDF treatment processes mimic natural disturbances, creating exceptional habitat for mule deer and black-tailed deer. We talk about how these landscape level contracts evolve over the course of several years, from initial discussion to equipment on the ground. Randy tells us about the California Big Game Management account that allocates tag revenues for programs that benefit big game herds in the state. We learn about Randy’s replacement as MDF’s California Regional Director role, and he reflects on the long standing relationships he developed in the role. As we wind down, Randy discusses a the challenges and opportunities for black-tailed deer management in California, and how MDF will be working to take a much larger role in their conservation in the future.

Idaho Mule Deer with Idaho Fish and Game – Season 3 Episode 8 – April 27

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve is talking with Daryl Meints, Idaho Department Fish and Game’s (IDFG) deer and elk coordinator, and Matt Pieron, IDFG’s Mule Deer Initiative Coordinator. We hear about Idaho’s new Mule Deer Management Plan that was recently completed. Matt and Daryl tell us about how they developed the plan and some of the issues, like hunter congestion, that they are attempting to tackle. They also talk about habitat projects, including MDF’s work in the Bennett Hills to restore sagebrush in important mule deer winter range after wildfires burned through the area. Steve asks them about some of the Idaho priorities for big game migration corridors through their Secretarial Order 3362 state action plan. One of their projects include improving deer crossings over Highway 30 in the Rocky Point migration corridor in the southeast corridor of the state, an area that has had significant deer mortality during seasonal movements every year. They’ve also identified research priorities to analyze data from collared animals to better understand deer migrations. We wrap up by talking about Idaho’s upcoming hunting season and tag applications.

New MDF President/CEO Joel Pedersen – Season 4 Episode 5 – April 14

Today we have our first Talking Mule Deer conversation with the Mule Deer Foundation’s new President/CEO, Joel Pedersen. Joel tells us about how he grew up hunting and fishing with his family and how a chance encounter on a boy scout camping trip in New Mexico led him to become a wildlife biologist. He describes his educational path and his early years in the wildlife profession before heading to the National Wild Turkey Federation where he worked for 22 years. We hear about various programs Joel was involved with including NWTF’s forest stewardship, conservation policy, and outreach campaigns, as well as strategic planning and organizational development efforts. We then transition to hear about what excited Joel about the opportunity to work for MDF and how Talking Mule Deer helped him prepare for the interview and the job. Joel describes his first weeks at MDF and how he’s spent the past month getting to know the staff and fully understand the work that is going on. He talks about his priorities in continuing to build fundraising opportunities as well as growing membership and helping to develop volunteer leadership. We wrap up by talking about MDF’s conservation projects on the near horizon with new grant funding and project work that is lining up for on-the-ground habitat restoration efforts this summer. We hope you agree that the future of MDF is in good hands!

As the year draws to a close we are headed to Arizona, to get updates on how GPS collar data is being utilized to determine how the Mule Deer Foundation accomplishes its project work. Lucas Olson, MDF/Arizona Cooperative Wildlife Biologist is a GIS and mapping specialist, giving us a rundown on how GPS collars are driving the next level of research on mule deer migration and habitat use, while Jackson Miller MDF/Arizona Cooperative Mule Deer Biologist shares how the data being collected, turns into projects on the ground.

State of MDF with President/CEO Miles Moretti – Season 3 Episode 7 – April 16

Today Steve and Jodi are talking with Miles Moretti, President/CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation (from the safety of our homes in three states). While we always try and do a “State of the Organization” interview with Miles, this one is particularly important as MDF grapples along with the rest of the world with how to function in the “new normal” created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The stay-at-home orders around the country fell in the heart of our normal banquet fundraising time and, like so many others, the potential loss of income is daunting. Miles tells us about how most chapters are working to reschedule these banquets and we hear about how Conservation Continues at MDF  with the support of partners Henry Repeating Arms, Reeds Family Outfitters, PhoneSkope and Pyro Putty who are matching donations to the organization through the end of April. We also talk about other ways to support the organization, including the Ultimate Giveaway Raffle, hunting tags being auctioned online at OnlineHuntingAuctions.com, firearm online auctions at GunBroker.com, membership renewals, and Amazon Smile. We also remind members that, while getting in the outdoors is a great way to stay active during the shutdown, it’s important to stay local and practice #ResponsibleRecreation and follow CDC recommendations in order to avoid spreading the virus into small communities. After recognizing our current realities, we talk about what MDF accomplished in 2019 for mule deer conservation and what is on the horizon, even amidst the current situation. We wrap up talking about Miles’ legacy with the organization with his pending retirement on September 30.

MDF Magazine Redesign with Chet Hervey of the Northwoods Collective, and MDF’s COO Brian Fienhold 

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, we are visiting with the folks behind the recent redesign of the MDF Magazine that hit mailboxes last month. Brian Fienhold, MDF’s Chief Operating Officer describes how the relationship with the Northwoods Collective began and we hear directly from Northwoods Collective managing partner Chet Hervey. Chet describes his company and the work that they have done with other wildlife conservation organizations and in the hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. We hear about the vision that they brought to the table for the magazine redesign and what some of the new layout offers as far as content, outstanding photography, and readability. Brian tells us how the move to a quarterly magazine, rather than the six issues a year in the past, will help provide value to members through greater content diversity and increased total page count per issue – and how we hope the new design will help us build membership, and provide even more member benefits. We wrap up by hearing from both Brian and Chet about the future of MDF Magazine as well as other outreach tools including an updated website design, all with the intention of building the MDF brand and the work the organization can accomplish on the ground.

Today we are headed to Nevada to check in on the status of the mule deer herd with Nevada Department of Wildlife Director and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Tony Wasley and Game Division Chief Mike Scott. Tony and Mike spend time discussing project work occurring in Nevada, how these projects are financed through auction tags, MDF Chapter Rewards, and grant funds provided by partner agencies. Any conversation about habitat health in Nevada also has to include the status of feral horse populations in the state.

Mule Deer Memorial Day Marathon – Season 3 Episode 10 – May 21

This is our 59th episode of Talking Mule Deer and we are encouraging our listeners to get on a Mule Deer Memorial Day Marathon. This week, Jodi and Steve are reflecting back on the two years of the TMD podcast and hoping listeners go back and binge listen to some of our favorite episodes. We revisit those early days of putting together our first interview with Miles Moretti, and how the podcast has grown and developed over the last two years. We talk about what have been some of the most popular downloads as well as the episodes that have provided different important topics that we hope our listeners have appreciated. For the future, we will be launching listener interaction opportunities and encourage people to ask us questions, suggest new topics, or tell us who you’ve liked that you think we should bring back on the show. The new podcast@muledeer.org email address, along with MDF social media channels will allow listeners to submit their comments or questions – and if we use them on air, we will be sending you some MDF swag to thank you for your engagement. So, listen up, remember some of the old episodes and help us move forward this year in expanding our reach to mule deer enthusiasts across the country!

Welcome Back! MDF Talking Mule Deer is back on the airwaves in 2023. The last 15 months have been a crazy time at MDF and a lot has happened in our quest to conserve black-tailed and mule deer and it's time to bring you all up to speed. This episode's Guest is MDF's President & CEO, Joel Pedersen, who visits with Steve and Jodi about the exciting times at MDF including a record setting mule deer tag. We cover the latest with MDF's conservation program, which has expanded rapidly, and highlight the wins MDF has had over the past year and upcoming events which will make 2023 an even better year. 

Pre-Season Prep with Amy Ray and Chris Belinda – Season 3 Episode 15 – August 3

Hunting season is just around the corner with archery hunts starting in just a few weeks, so this episode of Talking Mule Deer focuses on how to get ready for your hunt – particularly through the eyes of two friends from the East who come West to hunt. Amy Ray is the owner of Sisterhood of the Outdoors, a business that offers women’s only hunts across the country including a number of mule deer, elk, and pronghorn hunts. Chris Belinda (yep, you probably recognize that last name) has been a taxidermist in Pennsylvania for 35 years – he also happens to be Steve’s brother so he’s had some experience traveling West for big game hunts. We talk about the gear to pack that we’ve learned is crucial, how you can scout your hunt unit remotely or in person, and other things you can do to get ready for your hunt. Chris offers a wealth of information about what you can do to be prepared when you decide to mount your trophy. We also provide some resources to understand what you need to consider as far as Chronic Wasting Disease, courtesy of the CWD Alliance, and also encourage checking information about COVID-19 restrictions in the state you are traveling to including potential quarantine considerations.

It’s been awhile! Hunting season and conservation projects kept us away from recording a podcast at the end of last year, but we’re hitting 2021 running with our favorite repeat guest, Miles Moretti. Today’s Talking Mule Deer podcast takes a look back at some of MDF’s accomplishments for 2020, even with the many curveballs that were thrown our way. We hear about the conservation and stewardship projects that MDF was involved in that were still able to happen. We also go over some of the congressional and administrative wins that we saw in 2020, including the Great American Outdoors Act, ACE Act and the finalized categorical exclusion for mule deer habitat restoration projects. Next, we talk about on conservation policy in the states and federal government as well as the on the ground habitat projects we will be working on in 2021. We wrap up talking about our 2020 hunting experiences and also talk about the changes to the Talking Mule Deer podcast and the MDF magazine for the coming year.

Spring has sprung, and Talking Mule Deer is back with President/CEO Joel Pedersen, who takes time to discuss his first Western Conservation and Hunting Expo as the leader of MDF, and talks in-depth about the first annual Mule Deer Summit that was held at the WHCE. Big dollars were raised at the show, and Joel talks about how MDF will be utilizing those funds to accomplish work on the ground across the mule deer habitat range. 

We also take a few minutes to talk to MDF Outreach Coordinator JJ Hinton about how we are utilizing digital media, and specifically social media, to expand the reach of our organization in the future.

Congressional Update with Jeff Crane and Miles Moretti – Season 3 Episode 1 – February 3

On our first episode of our third season, we’re talking with Jeff Crane and Miles Moretti to get an update on what happened in Congress and the Administration for sportsmen in 2019. We start by hearing about S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act – a compilation of many bills related to conservation and sportsmen’s priorities – that was enacted into law last year. A key issue for sportsmen that was included in this package was ensuring that federal public lands are open to hunting, shooting, and fishing unless specifically closed. In addition, it included permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund including a provision that will ensure a portion of this funding is dedicated to providing access points to federal lands. We also learn about the American Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act which passed out of the Senate unanimously on a voice vote in January. This bill includes authorizations or re-authorizations for several important conservation programs like the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and more. Another bill organizations are focused on is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act which would provide a substantial increase in funding to state fish and wildlife agencies. Jeff and Miles also give us an update on the efforts of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council to advise the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior on key sportsmen’s issues including on migration corridors and CWD. Our last discussion is about the network of groups that work together through the American Wildlife Conservation Partners to provide information to presidential campaigns on key priorities to the sportsmen’s community. We wrap up by giving you the information you need to be engaged on these policy issues!

Jason Matzinger Talks Shed Hunting, Off-Season Prep, and Hunting with Your Kids – Season 4 Episode 4 – March 12

On this episode, we are talking with Jason Matzinger, host of Into High Country and an ambassador for the Mule Deer Foundation. Spring brings the chance to get back into the field looking for shed antlers and Jason describes how he uses shed hunting as a way to scout and learn about behavior. But we also talk about how spending time out on winter range when the deer and elk are already stressed from a tough winter can be a significant challenge for their survival. Some states have created shed hunting seasons or set restrictions on when people can get into the winter range, but personal ethics and awareness of the stress it can cause are critical. Jason gives us some tips about what he does in the off season to get ready for the next hunting season, and he tells the story about how a nice buck gave him and his son the slip this past season. We then talk a bit about how hunting with our kids and beginning hunters becomes a new motivation after years of hunting. We wrap up hearing about what projects Jason has on the horizon, his role in helping Conservation Continue at MDF, and what some of those conservation efforts are looking like in the coming year.

Fourth of July Kickoff with MDF Director of Field Operations, Mike Laughter – Season 3 Episode 13 – June 30

As we head into the July 4th holiday weekend, Jodi and Steve talk to MDF’s director of field operations, Mike Laughter, to get an update on our field events and fundraising opportunities. Mike fills us in on what regional directors are doing with their chapters under state public health orders, and how they are working back into events and field work as some states have loosened restrictions. He tells us about a recent project he participated in that is monitoring fawn mortality in northern Utah. We also hear about the great prizes in the MDF Ultimate Giveaway – a fundraising project he helped launch several years ago – and how you can help support MDF by buying tickets for the Giveaway before the end of July. We wrap up our conversation by telling you the Top 10 Talking Mule Deer episodes, by number of downloads, and we each give our thoughts on a few of the episodes that didn’t make the Top 10 that we think our listeners should go back and download. This includes a rabbit-hole conversation on the recent passing of the Great American Outdoors Act by the Senate and the urgent need to let your U.S. Representative know that passing it in the House is imperative to the future of conservation.

This episode of Talking Mule Deer features our conversation with the co-founder of Public Land Tees, Sam Soholt. Sam tells us about how he got his start in the outdoor industry as a photographer and videographer, and about his modified school bus that he used as his base to hunt and raise awareness about public lands with an active social media presence. His journey to learn about conservation issues led him to come up with the Conservation Crossing tee - buy the shirt and you also get an annual membership to MDF and four other conservation organizations. Sam lives in North Dakota, and we loop in our own Marshall Johnson to talk about the projects that he has helped coordinate in the state to improve mule deer habitat and provide hunter access to private lands.

Marshall tells us about the cooperative efforts for conservation and to enroll landowners in the North Dakota Private Land Access to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program, with funding from an Outdoor Heritage grant, private companies like Bobcat/Doosan, chapter volunteers, and support through the ND Petroleum Council. We wrap up talking about the big picture conservation efforts that MDF is doing and how people can get involved through becoming a member, volunteering, participating in events, and even purchasing a Conservation Crossing tee!

Western Hunting & Conservation Expo with Rob Keck and Miles Moretti – Season 3 Episode 2 – February 7

Today we’re previewing the 2020 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo with MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti and Hunt Expo Master of Ceremonies Rob Keck. Hear about what’s new for this year and why 2020 should be the year that you come to Salt Lake for this incredible event. We talk about the exhibit hall and 200 tag drawing, and Miles tells us about some construction that’s going on near the Salt Palace to keep in mind as you get to the event. Miles and Rob talk about the evening speakers and the entertainment that is a big part of Hunt Expo, the events like the Ladies Luncheon that is a hit every year, the seminar series, and all the other things that you can do. Get more information online at www.huntexpo.com or on the Hunt Expo app!

2021 Range-wide Status of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer with Jim Heffelfinger and Joel Pedersen - Season 4 Episode 10

We are excited to bring you the 75th episode of Talking Mule Deer, and we could not think of better guests than MDF President/CEO Joel Pedersen, and Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Science Coordinator Jim Heffelfinger to talk about the 2021 Range-wide Status of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer produced by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Mule Deer Working Group. This episode goes in-depth on how the working group functions, and how the 24 different states and provinces that make up the group use their deer population data to develop the annual report. The team explores why it is a challenge to make blanket assessments on mule deer decline, and how a majority of states are seeing stable or growing populations. We also talk about some of the variables we are seeing this year with drought, fires, and disease that may impact future populations.

“Human Dimensions” with Mark Duda – Season 3 Episode 11 – June 4

Today Steve and Jodi are talking to Mark Duda, one of the leading researchers studying what is known as the “human dimensions” of wildlife management. Mark explains what human dimensions is and why understanding the people side of conservation needs to be done in the same scientific process that drives the actual management of species. Mark’s firm, Responsive Management, conducts public interviews to get a better understanding of what people want to see with wildlife management, along with understanding the best way to explain wildlife conservation issues to a public that might have a very different connection with the natural world. We hear about the results of some of his latest research, along with Responsive Management’s long-term studies about public opinion about hunting. We talk about the difference between animal rights and animal welfare, and how the majority of hunters respect animals and care about the welfare of the wildlife they pursue. He also gives us the top three arguments that you can use in defense of hunting, and ones that are the least effective. If you’ve ever wanted to better understand what the public thinks about hunting, and to more effectively talk to non-hunters about your passion for hunting, this is an important episode to listen to - and to share with your hunting buddies. As Mark says, if you can control the language you can control the conversation.

John Nosler – Season 4 Episode 8 – June 9

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, we are joined by Nosler Inc. President and COO John R. Nosler. John starts off with an overview of the history of Nosler and how his grandfather, truckdriver John A. Nosler, turned the first Nosler bullet out of spare car parts in the late 1940s, launching a family-owned and operated bullet manufacturing dynasty. John details how Nosler has grown from the first Partition bullet to a full-service ammunition producer and more recently a firearms manufacturer. Based in Bend Oregon, Nosler not only has its own full line of products, but also provides bullets to other manufacturers, which helps to push both their company as well as the partnering manufacturers using their products. Jodi asks John about the current state of business and the details on the ammunition shortage. John fills us in on the challenges Nosler and the ammunition industry as a whole has faced that affect supplies on local shop shelves. As we head into the final segment, John talks about how he personally is invested in mule deer hunting and conservation, and how he is working to get his kids on the mountain.

The Boone and Crockett Club’s CEO, Tony Schoonen – Season 3 Episode 12 – June 18

This week, we are pleased to welcome our partner in conservation, Tony Schoonen the Chief Executive Officer of the Boone and Crockett Club. Tony gives us a little bit of the Club’s history and how it was founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887. He explains how the Club was started by “people of influence” and the bylaws today continue to have just 100 regular members, along with a strong group of professional members, who help steer policy and priorities for the Club. Tony also talks about the Boone and Crockett records program and how that was established not just to honor the largest animals, but also a science-based process to evaluate the health of ecosystems and the wildlife that live there. From there, we discuss Boone and Crockett’s Hunt Fair Chase program and the fundamental ethics of fair chase hunting, as well as their new Poach and Pay program that is intended to increase detection and prosecution of poaching. These efforts also help to protect the image of all ethical hunters. We wrap up talking about the 30th Big Game Awards program and the Boone and Crockett National Collection of Heads and Horns at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Springfield, Missouri. Tony and Miles Moretti wrap up by talking about the overall health of mule deer and that, while there are concerns like Chronic Wasting Disease, that there are still outstanding mule deer bucks being harvested in recent years.

Into 2022 we are racing, headed full steam into the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo! We get WHCE Director Ray Crow and MDF President/CEO Joel Pedersen on the record, talking all things Hunt Expo. WHCE is a huge fundraiser for wildlife conservation across the West, and we've got some new events, changes, and a breakdown of how MDF utilizes funds raised towards work on the ground that directly affect mule deer habitat. As he approaches his first anniversary as the head of the organization, Joel briefs us on how the organization is doing, and some changes being implemented under his watch. Don't miss the chance to learn more about how MDF is changing the landscape of West.

Episode 1 - MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti

Our first episode of the official MDF Podcast, "Talking Mule Deer,"  features MDF President and CEO, Miles Moretti. Miles gives us an inside look at how the Mule Deer Foundation got its start 30 years ago and how it’s evolved. He also provides perspectives on how the organization has grown, and future plans for MDF. We talk about how MDF is structured, what chapters do to fundraise and participate in conservation projects to benefit mule deer and black-tailed deer, as well as all you need to know about the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo.

Episode 10: Adam and Brenda Weatherby

Steve and Jodi visit with Adam and Brenda Weatherby of of Weatherby, Inc - the American firearms company. Adam is the third generation Weatherby to run his family’s company, which was started by his grandfather, Roy, in the 1940’s. Adam talks a little bit about how Roy, a farmer from Kansas, started tinkering in his basement after he moved to California and founded the company that has thrived on innovations in fast shooting rifle cartridges and high-quality firearms. We also talk with Brenda about how she got her start hunting – even though she’s been part of the Weatherby family for more than two decades, she took her hunter safety course with her daughter and started hunting just three years ago. Brenda talks about the women’s rifle, the Camilla (named after Adam’s grandmother and Roy’s wife), and we also talk about their new Carbon Mark rifle. Then Adam and Brenda give us an overview of the company’s big move to Sheridan, Wyoming. Adam talks about joining the Mule Deer Foundation as a board member and his enthusiasm with the growth of MDF chapters and the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo.

Episode 11 - Founder of MDF - Emmett Burroughs

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer we talk with Emmett Burroughs who founded the Mule Deer Foundation in 1988. At the time, Burroughs was producing wildlife videos; through interviews with state agencies he learned more about mule deer and black-tailed deer, and some of the challenges deer are facing. Through those early conversations, he realized that deer were declining throughout the West and resolved to start a group to help make a difference. The early days of the organization required a lot of hard work to build the awareness of hunters to start a board and help generate the funds necessary for conservation work. Emmett talks about the tenacity of MDF staff and supporters to grow the organization, start the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, and work on the important conservation issues affecting deer in the West. 

Episode 12 - Colorado Mule Deer – Marty Holmes and Andy Holland

This week, Steve and Jodi talk about Colorado’s mule deer with Marty Holmes, MDF’s Colorado regional director, and Andy Holland, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s big game manager. Andy talks about how herd management planning and how that affects the limited license draw, while Marty talks about how important it is for hunters to be knowledgeable about and engaged in this process. With one of the fastest growing populations in the country, wildlife conservation and the future of hunting in Colorado is a challenge. Marty describes some of the key committees he participates on within the state on issues like conservation funding, balancing conservation and recreation, wildlife/transportation management to improve highway safety and wildlife corridors, and more. They also talk about the “Future Generations” act to increase revenue for Colorado Parks and Wildlife – since the interview was done at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo, that legislation was signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper and will help with the long-term sustainability of the agency. Finally, we talk about new shed hunting regulations that are going into effect to reduce disturbance of wintering animals.

Episode 13 - Jason Matzinger – #ProjectMuleDeer

Into High Country’s Jason Matzinger talks to Steve and Jodi about how he got into producing outdoor television – but more importantly, he talks about his three-year journey to produce #ProjectMuleDeer which will premiere on September 22, 2018. Jason tells us about his inspiration for #ProjectMuleDeer and why this project is so important for not just mule deer but for the legacy of hunting. We talk to him about one of his most memorable deer hunts with a cagey old buck and he also shares why high-elevation glassing is his favorite style of mule deer hunting. Matzinger’s conservation vision shines through in our interview and we are excited to share this episode of Talkin’ Mule Deer right before #ProjectMuleDeer airs on September 22 from 7-8 pm ET on the Sportsman Channel and then from 8-9 pm ET on The Outdoor Channel.

Episode 14 - CJ Buck

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve and Jodi talk to 4th generation family-owner of Buck Knives, CJ Buck. CJ tells us the history of how his great-grandfather started the company, originally in Kansas and then in San Diego, California, offering a lifetime warranty for his handcrafted knives. We talk about a number of the legendary Buck Knives that are so well beloved by hunters, as well as other segments of the industry that Buck Knives develops products for. He talks about how he has made a commitment to engaging in the conservation of wildlife through his engagement with the Boone & Crockett Club and as a member of the Mule Deer Foundation board of directors. We discuss some of the issues that he feels are most important for sportsmen to rally around, in particular two key issues – funding for conservation, and the perception of hunting. He describes the Hunt Right, Hunt Fair Chase marketing initiative started by Boone & Crockett Club and a number of other partners in the conservation community and outdoor industry, and how important it is for hunters to “be their own brand” and take personal responsibility in promoting an ethical hunting experience.

Episode 15 - Chad & Marsha Schearer

This episode of Talking Mule Deer features Chad and Marsha Schearer from Shoot Straight TV. Chad is a native of Montana who grew up hunting mule deer; Marsha is originally from Tennessee and joined Chad as a guide after they got married. Hunting is truly a family affair for the Schearers who share stories about the first time their sons, Walker and Wyatt, shot a mule deer. They also open their hearts to others with challenges and they tell us about a hunt this past year with a young man who has a brain tumor. Chad is also part of the Bergara (precision rifles) team and he talks about the new rifles that are coming out as well as the Bergara Experience Academy in Montana where they host training for long range shooting. As a member of the Mule Deer Foundation Board of Directors, Chad is helping to further the habitat goals of the organization and describes the importance of being an ambassador for conservation.

Episode 16 - Nick Pinizotto (National Deer Alliance) and Chad Klinkenborg (Montana MDF Field Director)

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve talks to National Deer Alliance CEO Nick Pinizzotto and MDF’s Montana Regional Director Chad Klinkenborg. Nick talks about what the National Deer Alliance (NDA) is and how it is working for all deer species and those that love to hunt deer across the country. He outlines a number of the key issues impacting deer including NDA’s top two priorities of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and hunter access. Regarding CWD, he talks about what hunters can do to help with CWD surveillance as well as understanding about transporting game across state lines and considerations about consuming affected deer. Klinkenborg talks about efforts in Montana after CWD was identified in the state within the last year. He talks about some of the surveillance efforts that Montana has undertaken in areas with suspected CWD and that MDF has provided funding to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to help with detection. Nick also talks about MDF’s engagement on the NDA with MDF President Miles Moretti currently serving as board chairman which has helped to ensure that NDA is an all-deer national organization.

Episode 17 - Wyoming Migration Initiative

Today, Steve and Jodi are in Laramie, Wyoming, talking with Matt Kauffman and Greg Nickerson with the Wyoming Migration Initiative about their research on ungulate migrations and their new Wild Migrations Atlas that was released earlier this month. Kauffman heads up the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming. He describes how co-op units are engaged in fish and wildlife conservation science around the country and how his unit helps to provide the science used by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to answer wildlife conservation questions that guide future management decision making. Kauffman and Nickerson outline the migration research that has advanced since the development of new technology GPS collars that provide more regular data points in order to track wildlife movements more consistently. This increased knowledge has allowed researchers to learn about traditional migratory pathways, some of which are well over 100 miles long. They discuss how deer and other ungulates “surf the green wave” as the more nutritious forage regenerates upslope over the course of several weeks in the spring. This strategy has helped to identify important stopover habitat along the migratory routes. One thing that has been unique about the Wyoming Migration Initiative is their ability to communicate this complex information in a way that has actively engaged with the public in ungulate migrations in the state. We talk about how the scientists have used videos and social media outreach to talk about their research and have introduced the public to Jet, Mo and now #255 – mule deer does that are making epic migrations in southwest Wyoming.

Episode 18 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Bob Broscheid

Today Steve and Jodi are talking with Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bob Broscheid. We learn about CPW’s West Slope Mule Deer Initiative and the big picture positive economic impacts of hunting in the state. He describes how Colorado has provided numerous opportunities for sportsmen, including a lot of non-resident hunters, and we talk about some of the changes that have been implemented or proposed with the tag application process. Bob describes some of the state’s efforts to work with private landowners for wildlife conservation as well as sportsmen’s access. We also talk about balancing the various demands for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – and the state’s efforts to plan for conservation and recreation through the 2019 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) which will be released in early January 2019. Bob gives us an idea of what it’s like to be a director of a state fish and wildlife and the importance of relationships with organizations, elected officials, and much more. This came into play with CPW’s efforts to build support for the agency’s Future Generations Act that increased fees for outdoor recreation in the state. We then talk about what Colorado is planning to conserve migratory corridors for big game and how this ties in with the efforts across all the western states through Secretarial Order 3362. Finally, we talk about Chronic Wasting Disease and the state’s plan to test for and engage with hunters to manage for this disease.

Episode 19: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Big Game Corridors Grant Program

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Jodi and Steve talk with Seth Gallagher, manager of Rocky Mountain regional programs for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). We learn about what NFWF is, how the organization receives funding, and how it has provided billions of dollars for conservation across the country. We talk about some of the private land conservation efforts that NFWF has been engaged in, including sagebrush conservation that benefits mule deer, and how important this is to help keep agriculture viable and conserve important fish and wildlife habitat. We then hear about NFWF’s new grant initiative offering $2.7 million for on-the-ground habitat conservation efforts needed to help implement Secretarial Order 3362 on big game migration corridors. Projects support specific needs identified by state fish and wildlife agency plans that were developed in response to the Order. Some of the efforts could include work on transportation projects to help wildlife crossings, easements to conserve corridor bottlenecks or stopover sites, fire restoration, and more. The funding for the new NFWF grant program came through the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Conoco-Phillips. More information about the grant program, including a link to the request for proposals, and the state plans can be found at www.nfwf.org/westernmigrations. The grant deadline is in early January with plans to announce grants in March in order to get these habitat conservation and restoration projects on the ground by next summer. We also talk about a capacity grant that the Mule Deer Foundation just received from NFWF to implement an initiative within the organization for these types of boots-on-the-ground projects to benefit mule deer.

Season 2 Episode 1 - Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Jodi is in Wyoming at the Ranch at UCross talking about the Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt (WWAH). Her guests include the visionary behind the hunt retired state supreme court justice Marilyn Kite, Rebekah Smith Executive Director of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation which hosts the event, Abby Atol event marketer with SITKA Gear a sponsor of the event, and three of the women who participated in the hunt – Melissa McGarvin-O’Melia, Chelsea Johnson, and Rachael Esch. The Wyoming Women’s Foundation is working to help women in the state achieve economic self-sufficiency and provide opportunities for girls, and they recognized that teaching women to hunt can help provide that independence. The hunt is a fundraiser for the Foundation along with providing an opportunity to introduce women to hunting – about one-third of the women that participate in the WWAH have never hunted before. Event organizers work to pair inexperienced women hunters with experienced hunters to serve as mentors and the event also offers meat processing and game cooking instruction. Bekah and Marilyn describe the event in more detail and talk about how potential hunters or outdoor companies can get involved in next year’s hunt, and Abby Atol talks about the importance of events like this for the outdoor industry that is increasingly developing quality hunting gear for women. Jodi then talks to three of the women who received a scholarship to participate and either have never hunted at all or had limited experience. We talk about how on the first day of the event hunter education instructors and event organizers help participants make sure they are comfortable with their gun and how to handle it safely in the field. And we hear the hunt stories from these new hunters and about their plans to continue hunting in the future.

Ladies of MDF – Episode 2

Today Jodi kicks Steve off the table to gather some of the ladies helping the Mule Deer Foundation to actively engage women and families in the outdoors. Julie Moretti, wife of MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti, talks about the Ladies Luncheon at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo. New Mexico MDF Regional Director Colleen Payne tells us about a new program in New Mexico that is inviting women to experience hunting and the outdoors. Sitka Gear and Easton pro-staffer Sarah Laughter, and Colleen, who is pro-staff for Prois, tell us how the industry is adapting to provide women’s-specific gear for sportswomen. And Utah Volunteer of the Year, Sarah Wright, describes the Ladies of MDF’s “Jackpot for Conservation” event scheduled for May 5 in Salt Lake City.

Episode 3 - Secretary of Interior - The Honorable Ryan Zinke

We were honored to have the opportunity to sit down with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke just minutes before he signed the historic Secretarial Order 3362 for big game corridors and winter range. We talk about the Secretary’s morning experience helping MDF with the urban deer transplant project, the department’s focus on restoring sagebrush habitats, his focus on the “frontlines” of the department to work on the landscape, and more. MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti also joins us to describe how MDF will be able to be even more engaged in restoration projects through this initiative. Finally, the secretary describes his day at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo and the importance of getting kids and families together in the outdoors.

Episode 5 - WAFWA Mule Deer Working Group Chair - Jim Heffelfinger

Jim Heffelfinger is the wildlife science coordinator with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, chair of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Mule Deer Working Group, and a renowned expert on western deer management. Jim describes how WAFWA developed the Mule Deer Working Group in the 1990s to help coordinate state efforts for conservation of mule deer. We talk about these efforts – along with some interesting biology knowledge about why hybridization between whitetails and mule deer is so rare, the proper pronunciation for Coues deer, antler development, and other ramblings. He’s also leading the charge to write the latest definitive text book on mule deer and black-tailed deer biology.

Episode 4 - Bass Pro founder - Johnny Morris

This week, Steve and Jodi spend time with a conservation icon – Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO, Johnny Morris, and his son John Paul. We learn a little bit about Johnny’s upbringing in the outdoors thanks to his parents, the start of Bass Pro Shops, and the reason why supporting conservation is so important to him. We also talk about the opening of Wonders of Wildlife,  Johnny’s new aquarium and conservation history museum in Springfield, Missouri, and the shared vision for conservation and outdoor recreation after the acquisition of Cabela’s. Conservation is a consistent theme for Morris, and we talk about his role in a recent Blue Ribbon panel trying to find a solution for funding state wildlife conservation efforts. And finally, we touch on something really important… NASCAR. Both Johnny and John Paul love car racing and Bass Pro-sponsored driver, Martin Truex Jr., won the NASCAR Monster Energy championship last year.

Episode 6 -Mule Deer Foundation Senior Field Staff

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Jodi and Steve talk to a few of MDF’s field staff including Director of Field Operations Mike Laughter, and senior regional directors Randy Morrison (California and Eastern Nevada) and Marshall Johnson (North and South Dakota). These guys are the lead boots on the ground for MDF helping our chapters grow and raise funds for mule deer and black-tailed deer. They describe how chapter fundraising works to raise Chapter Rewards for the state Project Review Committees to allocate funds to conservation projects – from the traditional banquet to unique new opportunities like Beers for Deer and Gunapaloozas. Randy and Marshall also talk about some of their state-specific efforts including wildfire restoration in California and habitat and access projects through the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund. Finally, we talk about how people can get involved in the Mule Deer Foundation to start a chapter or volunteer for deer.

Episode 7 - Skullbound TV’s Jana Waller

Today on Talking Mule Deer, we are talking to Jana Waller of Skullbound TV. Jana tells us about her days as a “tomboy” in Wisconsin and her start hunting with her dad, and how hunting has allowed her to connect with her dad and with many other people over the years. Her career life began in investments, but she started writing articles for outdoor publications and that is how she met her partner, Jim Kinsey, who films and produces Skullbound TV – which was at the time the first outdoor hunting show solo hosted by a woman on The Sportsman Channel. She talks about the importance of “branding” hunting in a positive way to boost the credibility of women as hunters. She provides advice on what she’s learned about how to handle the online bullying that is occurring on social media that is increasingly targeting women hunters. Jana also tells us about the artwork that she does on skulls (the genesis of the name “Skullbound”), including the one that she donated to MDF during the 2018 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. She also talks about her role helping to carry MDF’s message through the work that she does.

Episode 8 - MDF Habitat Stewardship Program (Stan Baker, MDF Habitat Stewardship Coordinator & Kevin Zieman, USFS)

This episode of Talking Mule Deer focuses on habitat stewardship projects that the Mule Deer Foundation is involved in across the West. MDF’s Stan Baker, who helps coordinate these projects with federal land management agencies, discusses what stewardship agreements are, what makes them different and how MDF has been able to work with a variety of partners to implement habitat restoration efforts. In addition, Kevin Zieman, who works with the U.S. Forest Service in California describes how these agreements have benefited federal public lands, state and privately-owned land, and, of course, mule deer, black-tailed deer and other wildlife species. We also talk about some of the specifics of why active management is necessary to maintain healthy sagebrush and forest systems in the West.

Episode 9 - Heartland Bowhunter’s Shawn Luchtel and Mike Hunsucker

On today’s episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve and Jodi talk to MDF partners Heartland Bowhunter. Shawn Luchtel and Mike Hunsucker let us know how they got their start archery hunting in Missouri but how the fever for hunting western mule deer and black-tailed deer took hold with them. They provide some tips on things they’ve learned adapting from whitetail hunting to spot and stalk hunting in the open country of the West. We talk about some of the gear that’s necessary for western hunting that eastern and midwestern hunters might not consider and the importance of advanced preparation. Mike and Shawn also talk about how telling the story of the entire experience of hunting and conservation is a fundamental part of the production of their television show and why they have established a relationship with the Mule Deer Foundation to share the conservation message.

Season 2 Episode 2 - Colorado Buck

Today Steve and Jodi talk to Colorado Buck, about how he got started in hunting following the path of a strong, outdoorswoman – his mother. He grew up in hunting camps with his mother and uncles and guided his first hunter in central Virginia when he was just 12 years old. He describes his experiences as a young boy, always looking for opportunities to get out hunting, to the building his guiding business. His guiding led him to early television shows with Knight & Hale at the beginning of the hunting video boom. Where in the World is Colorado Buck? is now the longest running outdoor show in production for over 30 years. He talks about the importance of getting new people outdoors including getting kids, people with disabilities, and veterans out hunting. He also tells a little bit about some of his most interesting, exotic hunting opportunities around the world. Finally, we talk about why the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo is one of the greatest shows for sportsmen, women, and their families and why he is such a strong supporter of the Mule Deer Foundation.

Season 2, Episode 3 - John Snow – Shooting Editor for Field & Stream and Outdoor Life

Steve and Jodi travel to the 2019 SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade) Show and spend time Talking Mule Deer with the shooting editor for Field & Stream and Outdoor Life, John Snow. John describes how he didn’t grow up in a hunting family but traipsed the woods near his house with a BB gun as a latchkey kid and built a love for shooting and hunting. He tells us that his knowledge of shooting and ammunition started with a fascination for ballistics tables – and the help of an unknown shooter that helped him realize that his lack of shooting skill at the time was due to his cross-eye dominance. After working as a traditional journalist for years, and then with a small regional outdoor publication, John started at Outdoor Life in 2001 and made it his mission to pester then-shooting editor, Jim Carmichael. With no better mentor to learn from, John absorbed as much knowledge and skill as possible and became only the fifth shooting editor in Outdoor Life’s more than 120-year history when Carmichael retired, adding the same title for Field & Stream last year. John tells us about the limited edition Weatherby .257 he used on a mule deer hunt in southeast Montana this fall – a rifle and hunt that will be up for auction during the Friday night Conservation Banquet at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo. Finally, we ask John to tell us about some of the new products and trends he is seeing at SHOT Show and how they will help western hunters.

Season 2, Episode 4: J. Alain Smith

This week, Steve and Jodi get the star of Rugged Expeditions, J. Alain Smith, on the phone to learn more about his vast experiences hunting all around the globe. Alain’s rocking guitar music brings us in to the episode and he tells us how he and his brother Monty, a professional musician, started playing – Alain even played with Ted Nugent during a recent hunt. He tells us about how he grew up learning to hunt waterfowl in the Pacific Northwest and then moved to Alaska where he shot his first big game animal, a Sitka black-tailed deer. We talk about the importance of hunters and groups like MDF being responsible for conservation and how the sustainable use of wildlife supports the funding and management of wildlife around the globe. Alain then tells about some of his adventures including his favorite species to hunt and some of the challenging hunts he has been on. He and Steve talk about the importance of good gear and how his website provides a packing list and tips to help hunters prepare for a new hunting experience. Finally, we talk about his books, including a number of non-fiction hunting stories and a series of fiction novels that center around hunting in Africa. J. Alain Smith will be at the 2019 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo presenting a seminar on hunting all 29 species of North American big game on Saturday February 16 at 10 a.m.

Season 2, Episode 5: 2019 Western Conservation and Hunting Expo with Miles Moretti and Rob Keck

Today, on the week that the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo opens, we are celebrating all things Hunt Expo. Steve and Jodi are talking with MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti and renowned voice for conservation, and the master of ceremonies during the Hunt Expo evening banquets, Rob Keck. We talk a little bit about the history of Hunt Expo since MDF and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife took the reins 11 years ago and then focus on what you can expect at this year’s show. There will be over 500 vendors this year in more than 530,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. Miles tells us about the keynote speakers for this year and the scheduled entertainment for the evening banquets, and how to buy your tickets for the show floor and the evening events. We talk about some of the incredible auction items that will be available throughout the event and the online bidding options for those who aren’t able to be in Salt Lake. Miles tells us about the many family activities during the show including the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience and the Ladies Luncheon, and how this year we not only have the Great Salt Lake waterfowl calling contest but also the new Western Hunting & Conservation Expo elk calling contest as well. The Western Hunting & Conservation is open daily starting on Thursday February 14 through Sunday February 17 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Season 2, Episode 6 - State of MDF – Miles Moretti & Mike Laughter

With Hunt Expo just a week ago, Jodi and Steve got the opportunity to sit back down with MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti and MDF’s Director of Field Operations Mike Laughter to hear about the “State of MDF.” Overall, Miles says the organization is in the best position of its 30-year history. We talk about how MDF is actively engaged and being sought out for policy efforts at the national level and at the state and local level through the regional directors. In particular, Miles tells us about a few specific federal policy priorities – a provision that will streamline mule deer and sage grouse habitat restoration that was included in the Farm Bill, and the rapid implementation of Secretarial Order 3362 on big game migration corridors and winter range and MDF’s involvement in that effort. Mike talks about the tremendous growth in chapters as well as the increase in chapters’ “net” fundraising ability which allows the chapters to direct even more funds toward habitat conservation projects through Chapter Rewards. Miles tells us that in 2018, MDF was able to allocate $3.5 million to on-the-ground habitat restoration efforts – not counting the additional dollars donated and the in-kind hours through volunteer work. Finally, Mike and Miles talk about what is coming down the pike for 2019.

Season 2 Episode 7 – Mark Kayser

During the 2019 Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), Steve and Jodi had the opportunity to sit down with outdoor writer Mark Kayser, who is a regular contributor to the MDF magazine. Kayser describes how he got his start as an outdoor writer – a vocation that started back with a school assignment to “write about what he was passionate about”. While he’s an avid and skilled mule deer hunter, we focus on why he loves predator hunting so much and he shares some of the tips he’s learned about how to become a better predator hunter. He tells us about his 2018 deer hunting season, and why he likes being able to hunt “crossover” units so that if he’s not successful on a mule deer he can still harvest a whitetail. We also hear his craziest hunting story and how he loves living the outdoor lifestyle.

Season 2, Episode 8 - Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane

Today we are talking to Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. CSF plays a key role for sportsmen and women on Capitol Hill and in state houses around the country. Jeff describes more about the organization and its affiliated National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses and the Governors’ Sportsmen’s Caucus. Miles Moretti, President/CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation joins us and both he and Jeff talk about why sportsmen should care about policy. They talk about some of the legislation that has recently passed such as the Farm Bill, including the provision that helps sagebrush restoration that will benefit habitat, and the “fire borrowing fix”. Both Jeff and Miles are also members of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, a federal committee established to help advise the Secretary of the Interior and Agriculture on sportsmen’s issues and they describe some of the priorities they are working on. We also hear about some of the issues sportsmen and women should pay attention to that are on the horizon. CSF provides updated information about what’s going on in Congress as well as state legislatures at www.congressionalsportsmen.org and also include recommendations on what individuals can do to get involved.

Dakota Boyz – Season 2 Episode 9 – April 1

It’s April 1st and we’re talking to the Dakota Boyz, Ole Olsen and his cousin Sven Svenson. They’re telling us about what they’re up to in both North and South Dakota. There’s some great projects going on, and they’ve been having fun huntin’ and fishin’ and have the stories to prove it. We learn about lutefisk Twinkies, Leinenkugel and shield maidens. They also talk about some of the cool new MDF events they’re running up in the Dakotas like Beers for Deer and Gun-a-paloozas – and they tell us about the two new chapters launched in Minnesota. Steve then describes the time when MDF Regional Director Marshall Johnson had him eat Atomic Bison Turds (go NDSU!). Boy, those guys know how to make a fool of themselves…

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E22 - Identical Draw

Today on Talking Mule Deer we visit with Thomas and Nathan Krick, identical twins from Lincoln, Nebraska who produce an online outdoor television program known as Identical Draw. Their first season was featured on Carbon TV and the second season is available on Bear Archery’s Youtube Channel. The brothers grew up hunting and learned film production through Heartland Bowhunter’s film school. As outdoorsmen and mountaineers in their early 20s, the duo is focused on social media and other online platforms as a way to target younger hunters offering techniques for do-it-yourself, backcountry public land hunts. We hear a bit about their first mule deer hunts in the sandhills of Nebraska as well as last year’s intense mountain mule deer hunt in Idaho. Nate and Thomas tell us about their efforts to integrate a conservation message into their episodes, this year they began working with the Mule Deer Foundation to provide more detailed information about our organization’s work.

Season 2 Episode 10 -Ladies Hunting Camp with Candy Yow and Jeremy Anderson

Today we are talking with Candy Yow who started a Ladies Hunting Camp as a way to share information with women who are interested in learning how to hunt and shoot – this summer the camps will be in Oregon and Utah. The camps provide instruction on a variety of techniques that include archery and rifle shooting; tracking, stalking and calling game; field dressing and processing meat; outdoor cooking; and much more. Women (and girls!) must have their hunter ed card, but all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend. Jeremy Anderson, MDF’s regional director in Utah, describes how Utah chapters helped with last year’s camp and also how transformational it was for his wife to participate – to the extent that this year, she completed her hunter safety course! These events have women empowering other women to be active participants in conservation, and MDF will be helping to sponsor the camp and have an increased presence in the Utah event this year. Jeremy also tells us about the MDF ladies’ chapters that are starting to develop in Utah, Oregon and California. Candy’s Ladies Hunting Camp continues to grow and there are many ladies coming back year after year, so they are planning on expanding opportunities with other learning experiences. Listen to this episode of Talking Mule Deer to get more detailed information about this year’s Ladies Hunting Camps, and check it out online at ladieshunting.com.

Season 2, Episode 11 - State Sportsmen’s Legislation with Andy Treharne of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Nephi Cole of the National Shooting Sports Foundation

Steve and Jodi caught up with Andy Treharne of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Nephi Cole of the National Shooting Sports Foundation at the recent North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference to talk about state sportsmen’s legislation. Treharne describes what state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses are and how CSF serves a resource on issues and events through the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus. Andy explains how each caucus is different and how the organizations work proactively to engage with these legislators on a wide variety of issues. NSSF’s Cole also talks about how state legislative bodies are actively working on a variety of second amendment issues in the states during the current legislative session. Both of our guests describe how state legislative sessions can be very different than Congress, how quickly issues can move, and how to effectively work with state legislators who are typically part-time politicians. This Talking Mule Deer episode is a great resource for how chapters and members can make a difference on state sportsmen’s issues.

Season 2 Episode 12 - Wildlife and Transportation with TRCP’s Ed Arnett and the Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve and Jodi are talking with Ed Arnett with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and David Singer with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance. We learn a little bit about the organizations before diving into the work happening on issues related to wildlife/vehicle collisions and road ecology. The TRCP hosted a workshop in January, co-sponsored by a number of other organizations including MDF, that was inspired by Secretarial Order 3362 on big game migration corridors. The meeting brought together key players in conservation organizations, state fish and wildlife agencies, and state and federal transportation agencies. This meeting helped to bring in existing knowledge related to wildlife and transportation issues and talk through what can be done to improve planning to help ensure wildlife is able to continue to move through traditional migration corridors that might be fragmented by highways. We talk about how MDF members and chapters could get engaged on transportation issues by working with local and state governments early in the planning process for highway development. Ed tells us about how planning, design and fencing are the keys to improve designs to allow wildlife crossings – and just wait to hear the statistics for how big an impact wildlife/vehicle collisions have on the car insurance industry! We wrap up by talking about what’s on the horizon and how interested individuals can get more information at the TRCP workshop home page and the Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance webpages.

S2 E13 - Nevada Department of Wildlife with Director Tony Wasley and NDOW’s game division manager Brian Wakeling

This week’s episode of Talking Mule Deer features that great state of Nevada. We talk to the executive director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tony Wasley, and game division manager Brian Wakeling about what’s going on in the state. Wasley has also been co-chairing a national committee working to evaluate how to make conservation, hunting and fishing relevant in society when they appear to be declining in priority. He talks about a “Roadmap to Relevance” that partners are developing with specific recommendations on how to help spread awareness of our wildlife and outdoor traditions. We then shift gears and hear about the status of Nevada big game animals. Brian talks about current populations and tells us about habitat quality and the impacts of recent big fires on the sagebrush landscape. We also learn a little bit about the challenge of managing feral horses and burros in the state and how these rapidly growing populations are affecting public lands. Steve asks about the state game commission’s decision to regulate trail cameras around water holes and Tony talks about why this has been a growing issue and what the regulations are intended to do. We talk about Nevada’s efforts to conserve big game migration corridors and wrap up with an overview of the state’s new online licensing system.

S2 E14 - Camp Chef’s Brooks Hansen

We love to hunt, but we also love to eat the wonderful wild game meat we bring home and Logan, Utah’s Camp Chef provides some of the best tools to cook your meals in the field or at home. This week Steve and Jodi are talking mule deer with Camp Chef’s marketing manager Brooks Hansen. Brooks tells us about growing up mule deer hunting with his family in Utah and how hunting still provides him with family adventures in the Utah mountains. We learn that the founder of Camp Chef came up with the idea when he was cooking for a hungry group of boy scouts and he thought that there had to be a better way. Camp Chef’s two-burner stoves have developed from the same basic concept over 30 years ago and they continue to expand their product line and improve their quality every year. The company has a broad range of grills, stoves, cast iron and accessories that will allow you to make first class meals anywhere from the backyard to the back country. He gives us some tips for game cooking and some of the best Camp Chef equipment to take up to deer camp. We wrap up talking about Camp Chef’s sponsorship of, and Brooks’ friendship with, The Sporting Chef’s Scott Leysath and a unique hunt that they have planned.

S2 E15 - California Conservation with Randy Morrison and Kevin Zeman

This week’s Talking Mule Deer brings in Randy Morrison, MDF’s Senior Regional Director for the state of California, and Kevin Zeman who used to work for the U.S. Forest Service and now is working for MDF. Kevin’s focus is helping to implement habitat stewardship agreements, partnership opportunities with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to do larger scale habitat restoration across the West. These agreements are making a huge difference for mule deer conservation in California, which has seen its fair share of catastrophic wildfires in recent years. Randy and Kevin describe how stewardship projects are helping set back the natural ecological succession cycle to create a more natural forested environment that provides diverse habitat for wildlife and reduces fire risk. Kevin also tells us how the state has implemented the California Climate Initiative, and how MDF has received over a million dollars to implement projects on the Plumas National Forest and help provide matching funding for the federal funds used for stewardship projects. Randy also describes how California’s chapters are working to designate their Chapter Rewards funding and their volunteer hours toward these stewardship projects to make a much larger impact on the landscape. They then tell us about some of the creative new projects that are likely on the horizon in the state and the outlook for chapters in the state moving forward – including a new southern California chapter!

S2, E16 - Conservation Visions, Shane Mahoney

We are honored to feature the renowned conservationist Shane Mahoney on this week’s Talking Mule Deer episode. Shane describes how he grew up in Newfoundland and how his childhood experiences formed the foundation for his own conservation vision. Shane is one of the most eloquent philosophers in the hunting and outdoor community who has been carrying forward his message of continuing these honorable and sustainable traditions to a broad audience. Our conversation touches on the deeper connection we humans have historically had to the natural world and the need to tap back into this connection as a culture. Shane’s Wild Harvest Initiative is working to quantify the economic value of sustainably harvested wild game meat as an influence on our culture and health. We also get Shane’s perspective on the development of the concept of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; the approach has been around for over 100 years but the conceptual framework to explain the approach has only been around for a few decades. Dr. Valerius Geist, Shane and several other colleagues helped to develop the original concept and how this vision has been the foundation of wildlife conservation in this country. He will be releasing a book in the Fall of 2019 that presents the Model and the challenges and opportunities we have as conservationists moving forward. This is one Talking Mule Deer conversation you do not want to miss!

S2 E17 - R3 Efforts with NSSF’s Bill Dunn and Samantha Pedder with CAHSS

This week we are talking about Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) efforts being coordinated through the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports (CAHSS) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Samantha Pedder with CAHSS and Bill Dunn with NSSF are talking with Steve and Jodi about what hunting organizations are doing to get more people outdoors. We hear about how traditional recruitment of hunters and shooters through family connections isn’t enough to help rebuild the participation rate in these pursuits. New programs that are focusing on connecting with the public through individual events, like M.U.L.E.Y. programs, and then developing mentorship opportunities to ensure that people who are interested in learning to hunt have safe, mentored experiences in the field as they learn more skills. We also learn about what state agencies and partners are doing to retain current active hunters, and also to reactivate people who used to hunt but may have stopped due to lack of opportunities. Bill and Samantha let us know about resources, such as LetsGoHunting.org and LetsGoShooting.org, that can support individuals who want to become mentors and help with R3 efforts in their areas. We talk about looking to different communities in urban areas and to people who are interested in being more connected to where their food comes from.

S2 E18 - Muleyslayer Marc Smith

This week Steve and Jodi are talking to Muley Slayer Marc Smith. We find out how he got the Muleyslayer handle as he was developing his social media following. Marc is a regular contributor to MDF magazine and seminar speaker at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. He tells us some of the tactics he’s learned over many years of chasing big mule deer bucks in the West. Marc has learned that you need to be adaptable to changes in habitat and food sources to find animals. We talk about his love of mule deer and how this drives his engagement in habitat conservation through the Mule Deer Foundation and helping others become more actively involved.

S2 E19 - Butch Whiting, Kryptek Outdoors

Today we are talking to Butch Whiting, co-founder of the hunting and tactical apparel manufacturer Kryptek. Butch served in Iraq and Afghanistan flying Army Attack helicopters and he and his junior officer Josh Cleghorn would spend down time dreaming about being back in the U.S. hunting. Their vision was to spiral the features and functions of special operations apparel into the civilian hunting world. He tells us how they put together their business concept which really took off due to a Department of Defense solicitation for a new camo pattern. He tells about the selection process DoD took and how well the upstart Kryptek camo did being down-selected as one of four companies alongside three multi-billion-dollar companies. Kryptek’s performance apparel, using this highly-tested camo pattern, taps into both tactical and mountaineering design making it incredibly functional in the hunting application. Butch tells us more about some of the other branding opportunities the company has had through video games, movies and limited licensing through other lifestyle brands. When all is said and done, Butch’s favorite hunt is for mule deer because of his memories of growing up hunting mule deer with his family in Idaho. We talk about some of his recent hunts and how he loves hunting with his wife and daughters. We wrap up talking about Kryptek’s participation in the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo and how they company is strongly supporting the Mule Deer Foundation and our conservation efforts.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E 20 - Celebrity Guide, Dan Harrison with Harrison’s Hunting

This week we have our first co-host – MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti – and we’re talking with MDF board member and celebrity guide, Dan Harrison with Harrison’s Hunting. Dan talks about how he got started by doing private land timber management and habitat improvements which led to opportunities to guide hunters on these properties. He got his start on outdoor television with Chris Dorsey of Dorsey Productions and then with Tred Barta on The Best and Worst of Tred Barta; more recently he has co-hosted Remington Country, along with leading hunts on Grateful Nation and several other outdoor television shows. We hear about his passion for mule deer in the West and how they are such an iconic part of western hunting, and why he believes mule deer conservation is so important leading him to become part of MDF’s board. Dan believes in supporting youth as they become successful hunters, he also gives back by hosting veterans and first responders on hunts through American Hero Adventures. He gives us some tips on things hunters can do to be more successful and he tells us about some of the gear that he uses. We talk about long range hunting and why it’s essential to know your effective range, and we hear about a wreck he had on a mountain during archery season last year. Miles and Dan also talk a bit about what it’s like to be a member of the MDF board of directors.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E21 - Ryan Bronson and Jon Zinnel, Federal Premium Ammunition

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer, Steve and Jodi are talking with Federal Premium Ammunition’s Ryan Bronson and Jon Zinnel. Ryan has served for six years on the MDF Board of Directors and, prior to joining Federal, Jon was MDF’s director of youth programs and helped to launch our M.U.L.E.Y. program. Jon tells us about how Federal Premium is helping youth shooting sports programs across the nation and their efforts for the recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of hunters. Ryan also tells us about how Federal Premium has supported state wildlife conservation through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson) through the tens of millions of dollars in excise taxes they pay. We talk a bit about the critical importance of this user pay/public benefit program in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. We also hear about efforts to allow states to increase use of these funds to develop bigger shooting ranges that will benefit youth groups and other hunters and shooters. Ryan tells us that Federal is bringing back the Barnes Triple Shock ammunition that is loved by many western big game hunters, as well as the expansion of the .224 Valkyrie ammunition and the package changes that hunters will be seeing on all Federal Premium ammunition this year. Finally, Jon talks about the coordinated R3 efforts across states and non-profit organizations and Ryan talks about what he sees as important federal policy issues that he will be dealing with in the coming year.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E23 Utah Mule Deer Conservation with MDF Volunteer Darren West and Utah DWR’s Covy Jones

We are talking this week to MDF’s volunteer habitat conservation coordinator in Utah Darren West, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resource’s big game coordinator Covy Jones about the collaborative work to improve and increase mule deer habitat in the state of Utah. These partners are working to share MDF’s Chapter Rewards generated by Utah chapters’ fundraising events and MDF’s Expo Tags as well as other state, federal and partner dollars for large landscape projects across the state. The efforts through the Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative are helping to increase the carrying capacity of mule deer in the state by adding more optimal habitat areas. Covy tells us how state game biologists are studying the herds and individual animals to assess herd health, and Darren explains how MDF chapters identify priority projects for chapter volunteer work days. We also hear about new collaring efforts in the state to learn more about mule deer migrations in order to know how deer are using the landscapes and where these migrations intersect with highways resulting in increased road mortality. To wrap up, Darren tells us about some of the projects that Utah chapters will be engaged in, many of which are working to restore wildlife management areas that were impacted by fires in 2018.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E24 - MDF’s Women Board Members, Kirstie Pike and Kelli Poole

This episode of Talking Mule Deer features two of MDF’s board members, and the two ladies of the board – Kirstie Pike, founder of Prois Hunting Apparel, and Kelli Poole. We learn a little bit about how Kirstie, a nurse by training, decided to launch one of the first performance hunting apparel companies designed for the female hunter. Kelli, a wildlife biologist who has done research on ungulates, is also a consultant working on community-based conservancies and training local women in Tajikistan to serve as hunting guides. We learn more about how this program works and how Kirstie and Kelli met during Kirstie’s hunt in Tajikistan in 2018. Kelli talks about how hunting conservancies ensure the conservation of wildlife in these countries and how sustainable use of wildlife is benefiting local communities. Both women describe how they are bringing their perspective about how to reach out to and engage women hunters in the Mule Deer Foundation’s mission, and to help introduce more women to hunting. To wrap up, Kirstie talks about some of Prois’ new products, in particular a new upland hunting line called Pradlann. And Kelli tells us about her plans for the coming hunting season in Tajikistan and how hunters can learn more about community-based conservancies and hunting opportunities there at https://tajwildlife.com.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E25 - North American Non-Lead Partnership

Today’s episode of Talking Mule Deer features a conversation with the North American Non-Lead Partnership’s Leland Brown (Oregon Zoo) and Chris Parish (The Peregrine Fund). The partnership’s two main functions are to preserve our wildlife conservation and hunting heritage at the same time. They are helping to share information about non-lead alternatives in ammunition for hunters. We talk about this contentious issue and how lead being introduced into the environment can impact non-target wildlife species. Chris tells us about his experience on the voluntary lead ammunition exchange program that he was involved with on the Kaibab Plateau in Arizona to help conserve condors. They talk about the different options in lead free options for both rifle and shotgun ammunition. The non-lead partnership emphasizes that they are not promoting an alarmist message, they are trying to present the information that will allow hunters to make a well-informed decision about their own choices.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E26 - Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Program

Today Jodi, Steve and Miles Moretti talk with Frank Quammen, national wildlife program lead with the Bureau of Land Management. We learn a little bit about what the BLM is and what it’s overarching multiple-use and sustained yield management objective means. Frank also talks about how the wildlife program staff work to ensure that wildlife conservation considerations integrate with the many other uses on the lands that they manage. We talk about the role that BLM is playing in conservation of big game winter range and migration corridors through Secretarial Order 3362 and we hear about restoration projects getting underway in these key areas. Frank also talks about other issues affecting rangelands in the West including wild horses and burros, sage grouse, wildfire restoration. We wrap things up by talking about the broad challenges BLM faces in trying to manage so many interests on lands that are loved by millions of people.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E27 - Outdoor Writer -Jim Zumbo

On this episode of Talking Mule Deer we are honored to talk to renowned outdoor writer, Jim Zumbo. Jim tells us about how he began his career working on forestry in Utah and as a forester/game warden at West Point, NY, before heading back to Utah as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management. Jim wrote his first article for Outdoor Life in 1966 and he received an offer from the magazine to go full time as an editor in 1978. He reminisces about the banner days of mule deer hunting in the Book Cliffs and tells us a classic Zumbo story about his most memorable hunt with his daughters out there. We talk a little bit about his favorite places to hunt and also about wildlife behavior and mule deer migrations. Jim gives us a few tips on how he’s found big bucks and how you can too. You can always keep up with Jim on his blog at JimZumbo.com as well as the back column in Petersen’s Hunting magazine as well as several other publications.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E28 -Talking Arizona with Jim Heffelfinger and Jake Jaeger

This week we’re talking with Arizona Game & Fish Department’s Jim Heffelfinger and the MDF cooperative wildlife biologist, Jake Jaeger. First, we get an introduction to Jake who is working with Arizona Game & Fish helping with mule deer conservation through a partnership with the Mule Deer Foundation. Jake and Jim then talk about how Arizona is a different place due to the boom and bust water cycles in the state. Jim tells us a little bit about how most of the state’s mule deer populations are not traditional migrants (except for those on the Kaibab Plateau in the Arizona Strip) but still move across the landscapes seasonally to access food and water. We also hear about the Arizona governor’s tags that are used to generate funding for conservation – 100% of which goes back to the state for habitat restoration projects through the Habitat Partnership Committee. Jim tells us about the three research priority projects collaring deer to learn more about migration patterns associated with highway development and learning the movements of a herd in a known high elevation summer range. We wrap up with talking about how habitat improvements are making a huge impact on herd health which has been shown by GPS movement data showing use of restored habitats and avoidance of areas that weren’t treated.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E29 - Ron and Betsy Spomer of Ron Spomer Outdoors

This week we are honored to have the incredible Ron Spomer and his wife Betsy talking mule deer with us. Ron has been a nationally known outdoor writer for decades and he tells us about how he got his start in the industry. We talk about the history of conservation and that we are now facing a lot of challenges in our efforts to protect the wildlife and outdoors that we love. Betsy talks about some of her international hunting expeditions, including an experience in a swamp in Mozambique. They tell us about the things they’ve seen on those international hunts that provide an interesting comparison to North American wildlife conservation and sustainable management. In addition, we talk about the increased focus on wild game cooking and the growing numbers of people taking up hunting because they’re interested in where their food is coming from. The Spomers tell us about their new home in Idaho and the habitat restoration that they are planning for the mule deer and elk that are found on their property – as well as a Columbian sharp-tailed grouse lek. We wrap up by talking about the individual actions that hunters can take to help with boots-on-the-ground habitat conservation work as well as protecting the rights of hunters through groups like MDF.

MDF Podcast - Talking Mule Deer with Steve Belinda and Jodi Stemler

S2 E30 - Eric Dinger with Powderhook and Outdoor Life Hunting Editor Andrew McKean

This week on Talking Mule Deer, we are visiting with Eric Dinger and Andrew McKean about mentoring new hunters. We open by talking with Andrew about his journey as a conservation journalist – as well as his journey to live in “the middle of nowhere” in Glasgow, Montana. Then Eric tells us about Powderhook, the technology company he founded that is making it their mission to add 3 million new hunters in the next five years through mentoring. He jokingly refers to Powderhook as the hunting mentor “match.com” because it’s intended to help connect new hunters with experienced hunters to get more people in the field. This new social technology is tapping into what more people are using for acquiring information and helping to reduce the barriers that people who might be interested in hunting may be facing. Andrew, who is renowned as a tremendous storyteller, is helping Powderhook to communicate our outdoor heritage and build the mentor network willing to take someone new out in the field. We hear about the experiences he’s had mentoring his daughter to hunt, featured in an article in Outdoor Life, then mentoring a man in his community who never had the opportunity to hunt before, and this year mentoring three different hunters he had never met before. We wrap up by talking about how it’s a responsibility for those of us who love to hunt to share this love with people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get outdoors. As Eric says, the start of mentorship is an invite – he calls on all of us to take that step and ask someone to go with us this hunting season.