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Your Mountain

182 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 305 ratings

Join David Willms, Mike McGrady, Nephi Cole, and entertaining guests each week as they use humor, storytelling, and more than 40 years of collective experience in law, science, and policy to explain important decisions affecting your outdoor experience. As the guys frequently say, "There are millions of acres of opportunity out there. They belong to you. Every day, decisions are being made that affect your land, your water, and your wildlife. You should know about them. This is Your Mountain." http://www.itsyourmountain.com/

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Episodes

The Decades Long Wolf Delisting Fight Continues

February 26, 2024 15:41 - 1 hour - 83 MB

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 explain that, and the entire legal history that got us to this point.  

Pontificating on the Complexity of State Hunting/Fishing Regulations - and Other Stuff

February 17, 2024 06:18 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

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 plans, the complexitiy of state hunting/fishing regulations, hunting state lands in Nebraska, wolf release in Colorado, corner crossing, and more...

Land for Sale in the Tetons and Challenging a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin

January 12, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

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. Other topics include: Nephi possessing the rifle that gave Steven Rinella trichinosis, a first elk story, and Dave shamelessly plugs a recently pu...

Wolves, Mountain Lions, MapWaters Act, and Elk Hunting

November 17, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MB

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 again in Colorado to try to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting; and the MapWater Act. They also recount their elk hunting experience this fall. ...

Having a Voice in Federal Land Management Planning

October 10, 2023 14:37 - 1 hour - 79.4 MB

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 have more effectively rolled out the draft, and dive deeply into the importance of participating in the planning process. Then, Josh shares his M...

Wildlife Conservation with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International

October 03, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 88.7 MB

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 between Dave and Nephi. They also share a tribute to a giant of conservation, the late Miles Moretti. Tune in!

The Summer Conservation Rundown

September 19, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 44.1 MB

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 waters of the US, National Public Lands Day, National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Dave tries to ruin Nephi's elk hunt before it even starts.   

New Oil and Gas Leasing Rules from BLM

July 28, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 72.1 MB

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. 

Support for Hunting in the United States Declines

July 21, 2023 15:23 - 1 hour - 88.1 MB

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.  

SCOTUS defines Waters of the United States

June 14, 2023 13:40 - 1 hour - 103 MB

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 miss this episode--it certainly isn't dry.  

The Corner Crossing Decision

June 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 98.8 MB

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 your public land hunt this fall. Spoiler: the decision doesn't go as far as you might think.

The Bureau of Land Management's Proposed Conservation Rule

May 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MB

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. 

The Politics of Wildlife Management

May 02, 2023 19:44 - 1 hour - 54 MB

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 wolf reintroduction (note: the bill has passed since recording this episode).

Breaking down Willow (not the classic 1980s film)

April 11, 2023 14:46 - 1 hour - 63 MB

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 stream access case, provide a PSA about leaving stressed wildlife alone, answer a listener question about lead/copper ammunition, and preview a futu...

Advocacy and Grizzlies: Making a Point vs. Making a Difference

March 01, 2023 16:33 - 57 minutes - 44.4 MB

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 a convention that's already occurred! Check us out, and then shoot us a note at [email protected]

Boundary Waters, Tongass, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

February 07, 2023 15:35 - 1 hour - 56.2 MB

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 Forest. Finally, the guys discuss a proposal to allow mountain lion pursuit with dogs after a tag's been filled. Enjoying the content? Ideas for an epi...

Wolves, Bears, and Bills

January 26, 2023 14:42 - 1 hour - 69.5 MB

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/delisting. Next, the guys highlight a few bills circulating in state legislatures that are worth following, including bills about corner crossing, hunting...

Lead Ammunition on Wildlife Refuges and the Colorado River Water Catastrophe

December 29, 2022 16:55 - 1 hour - 107 MB

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 challenging lead use on wildlife refuges, which gets Nephi a bit fired up. Next, they give a 30,000 ft view of the Colorado River Compact, the river sys...

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

November 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 81.7 MB

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 Montana. Other topics include: whether Nephi should host the podcast; market-based envionmental solutions; listing the lesser priaire chicken; Jonathan'...

From Scarcity to Abundance: The History of Game Management

November 11, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

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 industry supports the Pittman-Robertson Act, what the Recovering America's Wildlife Act would do for states; and more. They also try to match attorneys...

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery

September 24, 2022 22:31 - 1 hour - 89.4 MB

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 appreciating and questioning science and the motives of people. It will also leave you with a better understanding of what it takes to recover carismatic ...

Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim

September 12, 2022 05:10 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

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 in the environmental community. Tune in. Have show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected]

RETURN Act, Corner Crossing, and the Senate's Inflation Reduction Act

August 07, 2022 20:10 - 1 hour - 74.5 MB

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 you know some of the pieces in the bill that would send funding towards conservation. Take a listen, and tell your friends about the Your Mountain...

A Federal Proposal to Gut Wildlife Funding for States

July 05, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

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 explain why the bill won't pass but needs the hunting community to kill it anyway. Take a listen, and then call your Congressman. 

Permanent Wildlife Funding Nears and 70,000 Acres of New Public Access

June 22, 2022 14:53 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MB

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 70,000 of public land, and the controversy surrounding the purchase. Other topics include: hunting draw results, Nephi moving, why soccer is a bor...

Corner Crossing Update and Proposed Lead Ammunition Ban

May 17, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MB

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 hunting case in Maine. Tune in!

The Open Fields Doctrine and the 4th Amendment

May 03, 2022 14:46 - 1 hour - 71.5 MB

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. Other topics include: trona mining, and the importance of the 4th Amendment. 

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation with Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

April 14, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

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. 

The Energy Debate

March 30, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

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 renewable energy has its own challenges; balancing development and conservation; will we have more ammo shortages; and more. 

Relisting Wolves (again)

February 25, 2022 15:46 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

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. 

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

February 02, 2022 09:22 - 1 hour - 70.2 MB

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. 

Suppressors and Other Hunting Technology with John Burns of Wyoming Arms

January 18, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MB

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 goose hunt invite;  remote game cameras; Wyoming Arms; John's Mountain; and more.

Grizzly Bears and the Rinella Family Feud

January 04, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

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: the guys commend Matt for being willing to speak up, but think he's missing the forest through the trees. 

The Unintended Consequences of Wyoming's Corner Crossing Case

December 22, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MB

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 geomorphology; Aldo Leopold; Dave meeting Dick Cheney; and more. 

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

December 16, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

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 asks for listener advice about an issue with his 2021 mule deer. Take a listen, share, then subscribe to get more great content!

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

December 14, 2021 15:52 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MB

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. Then stay tuned for Part III of the road trip where the guys will discuss Wyoming's requirement that nonresidents must hunt with a guide in Wild...

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

December 10, 2021 00:49 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

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 trip series: good things for wildlife coming out of Congress; and a dive into the requirement that non-residents can't hunt Wyoming wilderness w...

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

November 02, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 73.5 MB

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 isn't a dry topic, so take a listen. 

Groundhog Day - Relisting Wolves and Delisting Grizzly Bears

September 21, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

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. The tug-a-war over wolves and grizzly bears is decades old. Spoiler: there's no end in sight. Take a listen.

ATF and BLM Nominees Plus a Ballot Box Attack on Hunters

August 03, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 62.9 MB

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 displeasure over not getting to cull mountain goats in Grand Teton National Park.

Oil & Ice- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

July 20, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 80.9 MB

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.

Playing Prairie Chicken with RAWA

July 09, 2021 21:50 - 1 hour - 52.7 MB

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.  

92 Miles: A Migration Story

June 08, 2021 14:54 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

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 recent film, "92 Miles: A Migration Story" where he chronicles his experience running a mule deer migration route from the peaks of the Mount Zirkel...

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

May 20, 2021 17:20 - 1 hour - 183 MB

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 mountain, and so much more. Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) was created to help fulfill our duty to conserve and prot...

Becoming a Better Hunter

May 18, 2021 10:40 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

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

The Importance of Diversity in R3: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and more

May 11, 2021 12:02 - 1 hour - 68.5 MB

Bianca “Mo” McGrath-Martinez This week Dave and Nephi sit down to talk with Bianca "Mo" McGrath-Martinez to address the importance of diversity in the R3 discussion.  Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) was created to help fulfill our duty to conserve and protect our public lands for future generations.  We provide a platform for Hispanics/Latinos to contribute knowledge and perspectives about public land conservation. From southwestern deserts to northern fores...

Randy Newberg- Hunting Policy & Politics

May 04, 2021 10:39 - 2 hours - 90.2 MB

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 concerned about wild places and wild things.

Subsistence Hunting in Alaska (Moose and Caribou) Issues

April 20, 2021 11:31 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

This week the Dave, Mike and Nephi tackle the Alaskan Subsistence Hunting and Temporary Wildlife Special Action Request 21-01. A request to the interior department request being considered to close all federal lands within select game units in Alaska in regards to non-subsistence hunting of Moose and Caribou during the non-resident season. 

5 Things- Sage Grouse, Sage Brush & Rogue Wolves

April 16, 2021 17:59 - 13 minutes - 9.23 MB

Get your conservation updates and stay informed on a weekly basis by subscribing to the Your Mountain Podcast.  This week, we have Sage Grouse populations and Habitat, The State of Sage Brush, A wolf found in an unlikely place, Habitat Stamps and Elk!

How To Become a Natural Resource Professional

April 13, 2021 10:00 - 2 hours - 84.7 MB

By Popular Demand- Today, the hosts talk about their respective paths into and through the outdoors industry with some career advice and wisdom peppered throughout. Whether you're looking at college course options, a mid-life career transition, or just want to know more about Dave, Nephi, and Mike's career path this episode is for you. 

Guests

Land Tawney
1 Episode