Best Naturalresourcelaw Podcasts (2024)

1
SCOTUS Overturns the Chevron Doctrine: What it Means 1:28:45

11d ago1:28:45

1:28:45

The Supreme Court recently overturned the 40 year old Chevron Doctrine, which required courts to give discretion to agency interpretations of the statutes Congress entrusted them with administering. Dave and Nephi break down the history of the Chevorn Doctrine, what the Supreme Court actually said, and what the pros and cons of this decision could …

1
The BLM Public Lands Rule 1:20:11

23d ago1:20:11

1:20:11

Dave is getting lazy. It took him almost a month to publish this episode after recording it. However, the timing is still good. Recently the States of Wyoming and Utah sued the federal government to challenge the Bureau of Land Management's controversial "Public Lands Rule". In this episode, Dave and Nephi discuss the rule. What it does. What it do…

1
The Wolf Torture Fallout; EXPLORE Act passes House; Court Decides Tribal Treaty Hunting Rights Case 1:07:06

3M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

The guys break down a number of current events in hunting and conservation. First, they condem the torture and killing of a wolf in Wyoming. Then, they analyze ways to address a gap in the law to ensure behavior like this is appropriately punished if it ever occurs again. Next, they break down the U.S. House passing the EXPLORE Act and a recent cou…

1
Ethics of Technology in Hunting 1:32:54

3M ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Technological innovations are a way of life and influence hunters every year. State wildlife agencies and state legislatures are constantly trying to balance principles of fair chase with the benefits of new technology to hunters. In this episode, the guys discuss some of that technology and debate whether or not it should be used in hunting. Techn…

1
The Decades Long Wolf Delisting Fight Continues 1:20:17

5M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

Earlier in February, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made a determination that a population of wolves delisted years ago in the Western United States should not be relisted under the Endangered Species Act. However, the decision is more complicated than that, and could create some unintended consequences for these states down the line. The guys ex…

1
Pontificating on the Complexity of State Hunting/Fishing Regulations - and Other Stuff 1:19:10

5M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in January to, among other things, alert non-resident hunters of changes to elk hunting application processes in Wyoming. Of course, they didn't release the episode until mid-February--after the application deadline. So, hopefully it helps for 2025. Other topics discussed include: upcoming sage grouse management…

1
Land for Sale in the Tetons and Challenging a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin 1:25:28

6M ago1:25:28

1:25:28

In an episode recorded a month ago, but only released today because Dave dropped the ball on doing his part to keep this podcast going, the guys discuss a controversial state land disposal proposal near Grand Teton National Park and a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the constitutionality of Wisconsin's hunter harassment law. …

1
Wolves, Mountain Lions, MapWaters Act, and Elk Hunting 1:08:48

8M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Hunting season is well underway, which means the guys aren't recording much, and when they do they take weeks to publish. However, they found time to sit down and talk about some current events that hunters and anglers should care about. They discuss: collaboration in SW Wyoming on land use planning; wolf reintroduction; ballot box biology strikes …

1
Having a Voice in Federal Land Management Planning 1:16:32

9M ago1:16:32

1:16:32

The guys sit down with Josh Coursey, CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and host of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, to discuss a controversial Resource Management Plan (RMP) in Southwest Wyoming. They correct misinformation about the draft RMP, speak to the importance of local collaboratives, explain how the Bureau of Land Management could …

1
Wildlife Conservation with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International 1:14:10

10M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Chris Tymeson earns his gold jacket by joining the guys for the fifth time--this time representing Safari Club International (SCI). They discuss the history of SCI, and the type of legal and governmental affairs work SCI does on behalf of hunters around the country and world. In a Your Mountain first, Chris also arbitrates a series of disputes betw…

1
The Summer Conservation Rundown 54:01

10M ago54:01

54:01

Dave and Nephi are back after taking a podcasing summer break. In this episode, the guys run down some of the biggest conservation stories that took place while they were climbing peaks, fishing, and entering shooting competitions. Topics include: a new national monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Evnironmental Protection Agency and wate…

1
New Oil and Gas Leasing Rules from BLM 1:31:25

12M ago1:31:25

1:31:25

The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft rule that, if finalized, would significantly change the way in which oil and gas leases are issued on public lands. The guys break down what it means for the industry, and the public at large. They also offer a tip of the hat to Backcountry Hunter and Anglers CEO, Land Tawney.…

1
Support for Hunting in the United States Declines 1:19:31

12M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

A recent study shows that support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports in the United States has declined over the past 3 years (though it's still very high). The guys dive into the results, what it means for hunters and anglers, and things to think about to ensure strong public support long into the future.…

1
SCOTUS defines Waters of the United States 1:37:39

1y ago1:37:39

1:37:39

Jonathan Wood from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) joins the guys to discuss a landmark SCOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, which defines "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. They break down the decision and explain what it means for states, landowners, hunters, and others. Johathan also shares his Mountain. Don't m…

1
The Corner Crossing Decision 1:23:13

1y ago1:23:13

1:23:13

In a long anticipated decision, a Federal judge recently found that four hunters did not commit a civil trespass when corner crossing in Wyoming's checkerboard lands. Great news for those four hunters, but what about the rest of us? Is corner crossing now legal? The guys break down the decision and explain what it might mean for you as you plan you…

1
The Bureau of Land Management's Proposed Conservation Rule 1:24:48

1y ago1:24:48

1:24:48

The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule that would allow companies, individuals, and NGOs to lease lands for restoration. They also propose to elevate conservation as a multiple use on par with other land uses. This proposal has generated some controversy. Dave and Nephi assign themselves different perspectives and discuss.…

1
The Politics of Wildlife Management 1:10:09

1y ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Congress is considering several bills that would remove a number of species from the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Dave and Nephi discuss them. Other topics include: bird flu in California condors; catastrophic losses of pronghorn and mule deer this winter; Wyoming's corner crossing case; and the Colorado legislature's new action on wo…

1
Breaking down Willow (not the classic 1980s film) 1:20:13

1+ y ago1:20:13

1:20:13

The Biden administration recently gave the green light to a controversial oil project in northern Alaska. Dave and Nephi wade into the issue. They discuss why many in the conservation world oppose it, why others support it--including how it fits into the national security debate and the climate debate. They also provide an update on a New Mexico st…

1
Advocacy and Grizzlies: Making a Point vs. Making a Difference 57:03

1+ y ago57:03

57:03

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it would consider Montana's and Wyoming's petitions to delist grizzly bears. The guys do a deep dive into the decision, the state politics, the legal process, and what it means for grizzly bears in the West. They also discuss a frustrating trend in state legislatures, and Dave encourages attending…

1
Boundary Waters, Tongass, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve 1:12:11

1+ y ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Dave and Nephi break down a bill that could require leasing tens of millions of acres of public land to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve. They also discuss the administration's decision to prevent mineral leasing in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota, and to reinstate roadless rule protections in Alaska's Tongass National Fores…

1
Wolves, Bears, and Bills 1:32:12

1+ y ago1:32:12

1:32:12

Grizzly bears and wolves remain hot topics. Dave and Nephi provide an update on Colorado's efforts to reintroduce wolves, and how the public can get involved in the process. Then, they break down a recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that challenged grizzly bear recovery plans, and discuss what the decision means for bear recovery/delistin…

1
Lead Ammunition on Wildlife Refuges and the Colorado River Water Catastrophe 1:28:13

1+ y ago1:28:13

1:28:13

Dave and Nephi end 2022 discussing some hot topics in conservation, including a Recovering America's Widlife Act update (update since recording: it didn't pass in 2022), and teeing up a needed deeper dive into the Montana Crazy Mountains access saga. They also discuss the resolution of a recent case brought by Center for Biological Diversity challe…

1
Whose Land is it Anyway: Contentious Access Issues in the West 1:29:01

1+ y ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy at the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), joins the guys to discuss some contentious access issues in the West. They dive into a New Mexico stream access case that may find its way to the US Supreme Court, and then provide an update on a land access dispute in the Crazy Mountains of Montan…

1
From Scarcity to Abundance: The History of Game Management 1:14:06

1+ y ago1:14:06

1:14:06

The guys take a deep dive into the history of wildlife management in America, using Wyoming's journey as as example. They discuss: how wildlife laws progressed from the 1860s to the modern era; how important the Pittman-Robertson Act passing was to state management efforts; what revenues make up state wildlife agency budgets; why the firearms indus…

1
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery 1:37:21

2y ago1:37:21

1:37:21

Renowned biologist, and Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Jim Heffelfinger, joins the podcast for a deep dive into the good science, bad science, politics, influencers, successes, and failures associated with Mexican gray wolf recovery. Jim's captivating story spans several decades and will leave you both apprecia…

1
Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim 1:02:56

2y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In this episode, Dave asks for help understanding the impacts Eurasian collared doves have on mourning doves. The guys also discuss the issues surrounding importing harvested game birds from Canada; how the damages claimed by the landowner in Wyoming’s corner-crossing case are a head scratcher; and new attacks on the Pittman-Robertson Act from some…

1
RETURN Act, Corner Crossing, and the Senate's Inflation Reduction Act 1:21:05

2y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Dave and Nephi provide updates on the RETURN Act (Pittman-Robertson defunding act) and the infamous corner crossing case from Wyoming. Then they dive into the freshly passed (as of today) Inflation Reduction Act. Love the bill or hate it, the guys don't care. They just hope to cut through the hyperpartisan politics dominating the airwaves, and let …

1
A Federal Proposal to Gut Wildlife Funding for States 1:03:33

2y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In late June, nearly 5 dozen members of Congress co-sponsored a bill that would end the 100+ year excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which contributes more than $1.1 billion to state wildlife agencies each year. Dave and Nephi explain the history of the Pittman-Robertson Act, break down the bill, discuss how the excise taxes are used, and expla…

1
Permanent Wildlife Funding Nears and 70,000 Acres of New Public Access 50:54

2y ago50:54

50:54

After a month away from recording due to Nephi building a house and Dave completing a fellowship in Europe, the guys are back. They discuss Recoving America's Wildlife Act, the major Congressional hurdle it cleared, and when it might become law. They also discuss a land acquisition by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming that creates access to …

1
Corner Crossing Update and Proposed Lead Ammunition Ban 1:18:36

2y ago1:18:36

1:18:36

The guys discuss a recent bill in Congress that would ban lead ammunition on US Fish and Willdife Service lands. They also jump back into the corner crossing issue with an analysis of the Wyoming litigation. Other topics include, transferrable landowner tags, National Corndog Day, why Nephi constantly interrupts Dave, and a teaser on a Sunday hunti…

1
The Open Fields Doctrine and the 4th Amendment 1:17:52

2y ago1:17:52

1:17:52

After a long absence, Mike McGrady rejoins the podcast to discuss the open fields doctrine and search and seizure laws under state and federal constitutions. They explain what the open fields doctrine is, the cases that gave rise to it during prohibition, and a recent Tennessee decision limiting a game warden's ability to enter private property. Ot…

1
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation with Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers 1:20:13

2+ y ago1:20:13

1:20:13

Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joins the guys to talk about the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Topics include: what is the model; does the model work; what are the biggest threats to the model; should we rethink the model; Tim's mountain; and more.By David Willms, Nephi Cole

1
The Energy Debate 1:02:07

2+ y ago1:02:07

1:02:07

NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE US BANNING RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS, BUT THE MATERIAL REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY. Nephi and Dave discuss oil and gas policy in the US since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Topics include: the problems with the “drill baby drill” and “keep it in the ground” mindsets; why energy companies aren’t drilling; why rene…

1
Relisting Wolves (again) 57:24

2+ y ago57:24

57:24

A Federal District Court just reinstated protections for wolves in 44 states, and the Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will consider whether to relist wolves in the Northern Rockies. What does this all mean? Dave and Nephi dive in, but leave a lot of questions on the table for a future episode. Tune in.…

1
Thinking Outside the Box: The Path for State Management of Federally Listed Species 1:16:43

2+ y ago1:16:43

1:16:43

The guys discuss an idea to use the Endangered Species Act in a way that encourages state management of federally listed species. They also discuss: late velvet in mule deer; a bad goose hunt; a good goose hunt; hunting wolves near Yellowstone National Park; appreciation of wildlife professionals; and more.…

1
Suppressors and Other Hunting Technology with John Burns of Wyoming Arms 1:35:21

2+ y ago1:35:21

1:35:21

Dave and Nephi are joined by John Burns of Wyoming Arms to talk about technology in hunting. They talk about the importance of range finders, and then take a deep dive into the history and use of suppressors, including new changes in processing paperwork to purchase a suppressor. Other topics include Dave's recent elk hunt; Nephi finally getting a …

1
Grizzly Bears and the Rinella Family Feud 1:00:34

2+ y ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Dave and Nephi provide an update on all things grizzly bears, including updating on a petition to delist Yellowstone grizzlies; a petition to delist Northern Continental Divide grizzlies; and a new population estimator showing there are lots of freaking bears. They also weigh in on a recent Matt Rinella piece advocating for fewer hunters. Spoiler: …

1
The Unintended Consequences of Wyoming's Corner Crossing Case 55:12

2+ y ago55:12

55:12

Dave and Nephi take a look at Wyoming's corner crossing case through a different lens. Legal issues aside, they discuss the possible policy outcomes of the case, and how setting a court precedent could backfire for hunters. Other topics include: how to increase public land access; how they first met Steven Rinella; Nephi's love of fluvial geomorpho…

1
Road Trip (Part III): Guiding You Through Wyoming’s Wilderness Hunting Law 1:29:56

2+ y ago1:29:56

1:29:56

Dave and Nephi complete their road trip through MT and WY. In this episode they take a deep dive into Wyoming’s law that requires nonresidents to hunt with a guide in Wilderness Areas. They discuss the history of the law, possible reasons for the law, its legal history, and venerabilities. They also discuss their favorite hunts of 2021, and Dave as…

1
Road Trip (Part II): Recent Wildlife Wins in Congress 56:55

2+ y ago56:55

56:55

Dave and Nephi continue their road trip across MT and WY. They discuss wildlife wins in Congress's bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, such as: money for wildlife crossings, reclaiming orphaned oil and gas wells, fire mitigation, and more. They also discuss Recovering America's Wildlife Act, what it could mean for hunters, and how to voice your support…

1
Road Trip (Part I): Barriers to Becoming a Hunter 50:46

2+ y ago50:46

50:46

Dave and Nephi road trip across Montana and Wyoming. They discuss barriers for recruiting new hunters, such as: sharing your spot, finding a place to hunt, cost of equipment, access to shooting ranges, hunter diversity, judging others' reasons for hunting, complex hunting and fishing regulations, and more. They also preview parts 2 & 3 of this road…

1
Whiskey's For Drinkin', Water's For Fightin': A Western Water Law Primer 1:20:00

2+ y ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Dave and Nephi dive into a discussion about western water. Learn about the origins of prior appropriation, interstate compacts, equitable apportionment, instream flow, return flow, beneficial use, and other wonky water words. Water is the lifeblood of the west, feeds the country, and the fight over its use is escalating. The guys explain why. This …

1
Groundhog Day - Relisting Wolves and Delisting Grizzly Bears 1:07:56

3y ago1:07:56

1:07:56

After a long hiatus consumed with work and the backcountry, Dave and Nephi are back! In this episode they discuss a recent action taken by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in response to a petition to relist gray wolves in the West. They also discuss Wyoming's announcement to petition the FWS to delist grizzly bears. Sound familiar? It should…

1
ATF and BLM Nominees Plus a Ballot Box Attack on Hunters 1:08:25

3y ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Dave and Nephi break down the nomination of Tracy Stone-Manning to serve at the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and David Chipman to serve as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They also discuss a controversial ballot initiative in Oregon, a shooting sports competition in Colorado, and Dave’s displea…

1
Oil & Ice- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 1:28:21

3y ago1:28:21

1:28:21

This week your hosts break down ANWR, the Transfer of Federal Public Lands, Climate Change, Santa Clause, McKenzie River Delta Gas Pipeline, Public Lands in Public Hands, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline.By Your Mountain Podcast

1
Playing Prairie Chicken with RAWA 1:16:42

3y ago1:16:42

1:16:42

This week the guys talk about Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA) and Prairie Chickens. Other topics discussed; Mike's big moves, How to become a primary or secondary source for Meateater, Endangered Species Act (again), The difference between Big Chickens and Little Chickens, Wildlife Funding and Grants, and a whole lot more.…

1
92 Miles: A Migration Story 1:16:31

3y ago1:16:31

1:16:31

This week Dave and Nephi sit down to talk about mule deer migration with Patrick Rodgers, a University of Wyoming grad research associate at the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. They discuss the science of migration; riding the green wave; impacts of development; and whether hunting triggers migration. They also discuss Pat's re…

1
The Importance of Diversity in R3: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and More 1:39:41

3y ago1:39:41

1:39:41

Bianca “Mo” McGrath-Martinez This week Dave and Nephi sit down to talk with Bianca "Mo" McGrath-Martinez of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) to address the importance of diversity in the R3 discussion. Topics include barriers to becoming a hunter, how Bianca got into hunting, buying her first firearm, mentors, her mount…

1
Becoming a Better Hunter 50:04

3y ago50:04

50:04

This week join Nephi, Landon Michaels of Gunwerx and the Long Range Pursuit Podcast along with Garrett Long, Director of Marketing at Meateater in the truck at a National Rifle League Hunter Event. The question at hand- How do you become a better hunter in the off-season? This podcast produced by Ben Paige…

1
Randy Newberg- Hunting Policy & Politics 2:11:22

3y ago2:11:22

2:11:22

Dave and Nephi join Randy Newberg’s Hunt Talk Radio- They discuss how the policy game works, an insider's perspective, what not to do, what to do, Dave’s top 10 rules for effective advocacy, R3, lost access, conservation matters, managing hunters and hunting, elk hunting stories, and other great tangents from three passionate hunters who are concer…

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