Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter
307 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsCharlie Potter discusses hunting, fishing, wildlife and conservation issues in the Great Outdoors Podcast from WGN Radio 720 in Chicago
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Solar power and weather plus amazing bird migrations
April 21, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares the effects solar power farms will have on the environment and the remarkable information being learned about bird migrations.
Bureau of Land Management faces huge opposition to its public lands solar farm plans, plus Arkansas takes the lead in waterfowl conservation
April 14, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns about the Bureau of Land Management’s plans to add solar farms to public lands, as well as the strides the state of Arkansas is taking in waterfowl conservation.
Seeing the eclipse is a truly spiritual time with nature and Vermont considers abandoning long-held wildlife management principles
April 07, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares why seeing the eclipse is a truly spiritual time with nature and how the state of Vermont is considering abandoning long-held wildlife management principles.
An April Fools story about Chicago’s massive wind farm project, one that is not a joke across America, and bird flu is back
March 31, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter tells a tall tale about Chicago’s massive wind farm on Lake Michigan, and some revealing information on the return of bird flu.
Sea levels are rising, so why are millions moving to our coasts and wind farms raising alarms across America’s landscape
March 24, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter questions the rising sea levels and why so many people are moving to U.S. coastlines, as well as wind farms raising alarms across America’s landscape.
An epic adventure to Greenland and a peek at its future
March 17, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his epic adventure to Greenland, a peek into its future, and an amazing tale of hunting king eider.
Illinois needs visionary conservation boards and commissions – and using plastic bags in California
March 10, 2024 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns for Illinois conservation with the need for stronger visionaries on conservation boards and commissions, as well as the change in plastic bag usage in California.
Sports shows sadly becoming part of a bygone era, plus how did the ‘Old Farmers Almanac’ forecast this winter?
March 03, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the once-great outdoor shows fading into a bygone era as well as the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” no longer giving an accurate seasonal forecast.
Charlie talks about the newly released book ‘Coyotes Among Us’ with its author Dr. Stan Gert
February 25, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about the newly released book “Coyotes Among Us,” with its author Dr. Stan Gert. This spellbinding book will thrill you with its stories and photographs!
Manitoba letter to American hunters causes uproar and the HEN Act is before Congress
February 18, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter breaks down the recent uproar that Manitoba, Canada has created for hunters as well as the recent HEN Act currently up for legislation in Congress.
Recognizing two achievements of Brent Manning that went nationwide and the magic of chukars – there is no bird like them
February 11, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter continues to honor conservation leader and longtime Illinois DNR director Brent Manning by sharing his contributions that went nationwide. Later, Charlie shares an incredible story while hunting chukars.
Honoring Brent Manning, a conservation leader and Illinois longtime DNR director
February 04, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter is joined by Kerry Luft, Executive Vice President of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, to honor conservation leader and longtime Illinois DNR director Brent Manning and the great deeds he’s done for conservation in the state of Illinois.
The scarring of America’s landscape with modern technology and the removal of dams – a new era begins
January 28, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns on how ATV’s and other off-road vehicles are affecting the country’s landscapes, as well as the start of a new era for conservation with the removal of dams.
A strange migration year for birds and how predators are adapting to humans and hunting
January 21, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the strange change in migration this year for birds and how predators are adapting to humans and hunting.
The future of the NRA and where do conservation interests turn for political support in a vacuum
January 14, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter is joined by Forbes writer Chris Dorsey to talk about the future of the National Rifle Association as well as the changes in political support when it comes to conservation interests. You can read Chris’s article on the fate of the NRA here.
A generational change is occurring in conservation leadership. Who are the next conservation giants?
January 07, 2024 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks with Kerry Luft, Executive Vice President of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, about the new era of leaders in conservation as the current generation phases out.
Wishes for conservation in 2024 and recognizing Jim Scheer and the Hen House
December 31, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about what to hope for in conservation during 2024 including R3, recruit retain and reactivate, as well as sharing Jim Scheer’s efforts for water fowl in Illinois.
Ideas for conservation in the coming New Year that will greatly improve our world, and let’s start with civility
December 24, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about the many things that could improve the world of conversation in 2024, starting with civility. Happy holidays!
Wildlife corridor crossings will save lives plus managing our forests becoming in vogue but not for reasons one might think
December 17, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about the dangers of feral cats on the environment, a new perspective on wildlife corridor crossings, and a story with gigantic proportions.
Grizzly bear populations growing beyond expectations and it becomes easier to purchase a federal duck stamp
December 10, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about the return of the grizzly bear population and the possibility of them coming off the endangered species list. He also dives into the latest on obtaining federal duck stamps.
Adventures of Costa Rica and progress unending world class fishery
December 03, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about his experience returning to Costa Rica after 20 years and how North American tourists have affected the outdoor experience there, including an inflated sport fishing industry.
Water wars in the West that will impact all of us
November 20, 2023 18:37On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about the Great Salt Lake in Utah and the problems it’s having that could effect us all. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses the Colorado River and why we need to stop taking so much water from it.
Federal Bureau of Land Management and how it is trying to transform the American West plus – good news for conservation education
November 12, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns about the Federal Bureau of Land Management, responsible for managing 240 acres, and how it’s current changes could lead to a second Sagebrush Rebellion in the American West. Plus, there is good news on the horizon for conservation education.
How many hunters are there? Data is conflicting and confusing. Plus, a new book on coyotes promises to reveal many secrets of this now urban animal
November 05, 2023 11:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks with Kerry Luft, Executive Vice President of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, and questions how many hunters are there? Data is conflicting and confusing. Plus, a new book on coyotes promises to reveal many secrets about this now urban animal.
Chicago Audubon Society and others dump Audubon name – what will happen to other iconic conservation figures or leaders in the making of America? Plus, coyotes in urban areas
October 29, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concern over the Chicago Audubon Society, and other Audubon chapters, dropping the Audubon name from the organization. Will this set a trend of removing iconic conservation names from American history? Charlie also discusses what the future holds for coyotes in urban areas.
Drought spreads to key migratory bird corridors and hunter numbers decline but hunting pressure increases
October 22, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns over the current drought and how it effects bird migrations as well as the decreasing hunting numbers while the pressure on them increases.
Too many honey bees and magical Minnesota
October 15, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the possibility that a study reveals there actually might be too many honey bees and a walk in the north woods of Minnesota is magical.
Alberta and its spectacular fall scenery except windmills plus invasive mussels cause alarm across the Pacific Northwest
October 08, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his beautiful experience of fall in Alberta despite a few unpleasantries, along with the concerns coming from invasive mussels in the Pacific Northwest.
Concerns for the prairie wetlands of Saskatchewan in the fall
September 24, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his thoughts on the prairie wetlands of Saskatchewan in the fall, as well as the raised concerns of bird migrations hindered by buildings and wind farms.
Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is steeped in the tradition
September 17, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about how Martha Williams, Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is steeped in the tradition of the outdoors and the need for hunting and professional management.
Dove populations and questions abound
September 10, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter is joined by Kerry Luft, Executive Vice President of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, to talk about the dove populations around the Illinois area, plus a quick look at the prospects for the conservation in the farm bill.
Honoring conservationist and treasured American author Hank Burdine
September 03, 2023 10:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter honors conservationist, a legend in the Delta, and treasured American author Hank Burdine. Plus, hear why we need to manage our forests.
Dove season begins September 1st & waterfowl breeding numbers explained
August 27, 2023 11:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter kicks off the show by walking us through some numbers presented in the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Breeding Population survey and how Ducks Unlimited has been a leading force in the conservation world. To close out the show, Charlie reminds people that Dove […]
The Arctic Circle and an epic canoe trip back in time, plus Russia throws out Wild Salmon Center for no reason
August 21, 2023 20:31On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes us back in time and shares a story about a time he and his wife explored the Arctic Circle via a canoe in search of giant Sheefish. Then, Charlie switches gears and shares the efforts Minnesota has taken when trying to get rid of lead shot […]
Lobsters, Waterfowl and Archery
August 21, 2023 20:22On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter comes at you live from the Coast of Maine and when you think of “Maine,” you think of lobsters. Listen in while Charlie discusses the thriving species of lobsters and how they’ve continued to thrive over the years. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses the anticipation building […]
The Sturgeon moon of August, unnatural fires caused by cheat grass, & archery programs being cancelled
August 06, 2023 14:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to reflect on the supermoon event that occurred on August 1st and to excite people about the next supermoon event that is predicted to happen on August 30, which won’t happen again until 2032. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses different grasses […]
The Amazing Whooping Crane Recovery, Landscapes changing in Kenya and the sage-grouse saga continues…
August 01, 2023 19:06On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk about the incredible conservation success story surrouning the Whooping Crane. Then, Charlie switches gears and breaks down the landscapes that are changing in Kenya and what this effects. To close out the show, Charlie shares the latest news surrounding the […]
Tulare Lake: A new temporary and toxic California wonder
July 24, 2023 21:56On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk about a lake in California, Tulare Lake, and why people should be concerned. Then, Charlie switches gears and explains how Russia has added to the growing list of international conservation organizations that are banned from working in Russia. This current […]
There is a reason why conservation groups can’t stand ethanol
July 16, 2023 12:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk more about about the future ethanol as electric vehicles use expands and what this means for conservation. Then, Charlie switches gears and discuss the world’s hottest temperatures and how these days affect the universe as well as the agricultural […]
Ethanol vs. renewable fuel and what should be covered under environmental law
July 09, 2023 12:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk about ethanol versus renewable fuel and how the EPA has set off alarm bells. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses whether or not insects should be covered under environmental law – specifically when talking about pollinators. Lastly, Charlie discusses how […]
Managing waterfowl and public lands in Illinois, and an effort to stop the loss of the rainforest in Brazil
July 06, 2023 14:59On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk about the efforts Illinois is taking when managing waterfowl and public lands within the area. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses the effort to stop the loss of the rainforest in Brazil.
Technology and a post-COVID world are creating new conflicts
June 28, 2023 21:02On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes time on the show to talk about how technology and a post-COVID world are creating new conflicts among property owners. Then, Charlie switches gears and discusses how squirrels are experiencing a population explosion and how this is affecting the earth.
The NRCA and the importance of common sense when encountering wildlife
June 18, 2023 12:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter starts the show off by discussing how NRCA is leading the way in advancing voluntary land stewardship. Then, Charlie stresses the importance of using common sense when encountering wildlife.
Huge forest fires are a result of terrible forest health – nothing else!
June 11, 2023 12:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter starts the show off by discussing the latest news surrounding about what’s happening up North with the forest fires and then Charlie explains where these huge forest fires come from. Next, Charlie talks about the Bureau of Land Management and their action of forcing ranchers off long […]
Supreme Court ruling and its impacts on wetlands
June 04, 2023 20:30On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie is joined by the Executive Vice President with the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation Kerry Luft to discuss the latest Supreme Court ruling, its impact on wetlands, and why a new path forward is needed for recognition of their value to humanity.
Honoring Buddy Melges and what’s happening in the West
May 28, 2023 13:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie starts off the show by honoring Buddy Melges, one of the world’s greatest sailors who left a remarkable legacy. Then, Charlie discusses what’s happening in the West while they address its water woes temporarily and how we all pay for it.
Birds and why we need them in our lives – science is proving that birds are good for our mental health
May 21, 2023 12:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie discusses the science behind birds and how they effect our mental health. Then, Charlie discusses green energy and its effect on the environment.
Africa is on the clock to save its extraordinary big game herds and animals – Plus croaking frogs a telltale sign summer is coming
May 20, 2023 21:06On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie talks conservation in Africa. Listen in while Charlie breaks down how some of the most recent Africa related conventions went these past few weeks and why people should be in the know about these organizations participating in these conventions. Later he breaks down why he’s excited that summer […]
The Environmental Protection Agency’s role in America
May 20, 2023 19:53On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie shares what the The Environmental Protection Agency’s role is in America and the crucial role they play in conservation. Then, Charlie touches on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and flooding.
Lost in Paradise and time to clean out the freezer of last year’s harvest
May 07, 2023 11:00On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie shares the tranquility he experienced while spending time on an secret island that is still run by nature. Later he breaks down when and why it’s a good time to clean out your freezer of last year’s harvest.