Your Mountain
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 305 ratingsJoin 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
0033 - Hyphenated-Hunters, Long-Range Shooting, and Everything In Between
January 22, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBSpecial Forces veterans, Kyle Lamb, Ryan Cleckner, and Scott Steiert join Nephi for an elk hunt, and then get into a frank discussion about all things hunting. Topics covered include: killing v harvesting game, long-range shooting, veteran's as part of the hunting community, thanking service members, training for combat, hyphenated-hunters, defending the Constitution, respecting everyone's hunting preferences, a new partnership with Viking Tactics, and each guest's mountain. Leave your polit...
0032 - The Big Announcement Episode!
January 15, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBThe guys sit down with Ryan Bronson of Federal Premium Ammunition, Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics, Mark Boardman of Vortex Optics, and Landon Michaels of Gunwerks to discuss: conservation, the biggest challenge facing the hunting/fishing community today, ways to address that challenge, and their favorite hunting/fishing memory. Oh yeah, and to announce a series of partnerships that will help deliver important, relevant content on issues facing your land, water, and wildlife to the broadest audi...
0031 - Furloughed: Impacts of the Partial Government Shutdown
January 08, 2019 07:00 - 47 minutes - 33.2 MBDave, Mike, and Nephi are back after a brief holiday hiatus to tackle the partial federal government shutdown that's on the verge of becoming the longest in US history. They identify the agencies impacted, how different employees are impacted, how federal appropriations work, and what the shutdown could mean to the outdoor recreation community. Spoiler alert: not a lot of good news to report, but plenty of good information. Take a listen.
0030 - Everything You Should Know About the Outdoor Recreation Economy
December 18, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBDave and Nephi are joined by the leaders of State Outdoor Recreation Offices; Tom Adams (UT), Rachel VandeVoort (MT), and Domenic Bravo (WY) prior to their presentation at the Western Governor's Association Winter Meeting. Topics include: what state outdoor recreation offices do; how we expand and enhance the outdoor recreation economy; building coalitions; using an area to death, funding resource management; growing the outdoor recreation economy too fast; keeping Coloradans out of Wyoming,...
0029 - How an 1868 Treaty Could Turn the North American Model on its Head
December 11, 2018 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.5 MBWildlife conservation requires a regulated system for managing the game and the hunter. That has been the model for a hundred years. Known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, it has successfully staved off extinction of most game species in the US. Everyone must follow state game laws now, right? Not so fast. The guys discuss a pending US Supreme Court case interpreting an 1868 Tribal Treaty that could exempt some citizens from state game regulations on many federal lands a...
0028 -The Farm Bill Expired on September 30, and Sportsmen Should Care
December 04, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBThe guys sit down with TRCP's Alex Maggos and Zane Zaubi of Horizons Land and Farm Development to dive into the conservation title of the Farm Bill. From the Voluntary Public Access Program, to youth hunting opportunities, Alex and Zane make the case for continued conservation funding. Other topics include: importance of private land in conservation, sportsmen and landowners as partners, recruiting first time hunters, voluntary conservation, CRP, creating duck habitat, whether Congress can s...
0027 - Dissecting the Farm Bill
November 27, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes - 30.3 MBYou've probably heard about the Farm Bill, but do you understand it? After this episode, you will. Dave, Mike and Nephi take you through the history of the Farm Bill. Learn about it roots during the Great Depression, and attempts to reauthorize it in Congress today. We discuss the various conservation programs funded through the Farm Bill, and the value of voluntary, incentive based conservation. If you care about clean water, good habitat, and abundant wildlife as well as an affordable, s...
0026 - Agriculture and Public Lands with Ethan Lane of the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen's Beef Association
November 20, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBRanchers are a big, but often misunderstood part of public land management in the western United States. Join David and Mike as they visit with Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen's Beef Association - Public Lands. They dive into myriad topics surrounding public land management. Topics include: Access to "landlocked" public lands, respecting private property rights, history of checkerboard and state lands, supporting the Land and Water Conservati...
0025 - Dissecting the Election: 2nd Amendment, Public Lands, and Other Impacts on Sportsmen
November 13, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBThe guys cut through all the fear-mongering and hyper-partisanship to explain what the election results mean for the hunting and angling community. Is the 2nd Amendment at risk? What about access to public land? Conservation funding? Listen to find out. Other topics include, North Carolina and Georgia's outdoor related constitutional amendments, some non-profits using fear to raise money, the increasing polarization of the United States, and why local elections matter more than national race...
0024 - Dave's Mountain is Burning
November 06, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBWe ask every guest the same question - what's your mountain? Now it's Dave's turn to answer. Listen as Dave describes his mountain, and the events that led to it burning this fall. Topics include: Dave's orange vest, 19th century mining and tie-hacking, pine beetles, fire suppression, dangers of hunting in beetle killed forests, litigation as a tool to prevent forest management, stories from Dave's mountain, fire as a reset button, and lots more.
0023 - Dissecting the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Part 2)
October 30, 2018 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBThe guys are back to talking about wild horses again. Would Dave hunt a wild horse? Take a listen to find out. Other topics include: using the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation to manage horses, horses out-competing other wildlife, lack of predators, the reduction in public-land grazing since 1971, comparing management of wild pigs to wild horses, writing laws with the heart vs the mind, how the Act should be applied, chances of amending the act in today's political climate, and ...
0022 - Four Lawyers and Nephi Walk into a Bar - Again
October 23, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBContinuing a conversation from episode 18, David and Nephi visit with wildlife attorneys Kelley Myers, Chris Tymeson, and Tamara McIntosh. Topics covered include: A day in the life of a wildlife attorney, collaborative conservation, Tamara's Yellowstone back country tips, waterfalls of Yellowstone, David's bass fishing first, tracking doves, revisiting the Utah Cutt-slam, searching trail cameras, the dedication of wildlife professionals, arm-chair biologists, and more.
0021 - Dissecting the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Part 1)
October 16, 2018 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBCORRAL your friends, and SADDLE up your listening device. This episode is UNBRIDLED and WILD. The guys dive into the history of horses in the United States, and what lead to the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Topics include: Horse populations in the wild and captivity, cost of raising captive horses, Nephi’s proclivity for horse meat, changes to the Act, mgn’t challenges and a cliff-hanger to bring you back for part II.
0020 - Politics, Conservation, and Business with Ryan Bronson of Vista Outdoor
October 09, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBWhat is Vista Outdoor? You probably use many of their products and don't even know it. David and Nephi sit down with their Director of Conservation & Public Policy, Ryan Bronson, to talk about the company and so much more. Topics include: Vista's contributions to conservation; responding to gun boycotts; the backpack tax; why relationships matter; the politics of hunting; lead v copper ammunition; long-range shooting ethics; David's preferred use for garbage bags; and Ryan gets emotional sha...
0019 - Dissecting the History of Forest (Mis) Management
October 02, 2018 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.7 MBSince 2015, forest fires have burned more than 33 million acres in the US - an area larger than Louisiana. So why are we seeing so many fires? And why are there billions of dead trees across the western United States and Canada? The guys tackle those questions and more in this episode. Topics include the Forest Reserve Act, Forest Service Organic Act, Gifford Pinchot's vision, clear-cutting, pine beetles, drought, NEPA, Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act, National Forest Management Act, the fu...
0018 - Four Wildlife Lawyers and Nephi Walk into a Bar
September 25, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBWhat do you get when you put four wildlife attorneys and Nephi in a room? Great conversation and a lot of useful information. Learn from Dave, Chris Tymeson, Kelley Myers and Tamara McIntosh about wildlife laws in Wyoming, Kansas, and Iowa. Topics include: Wildlife Violator Compact, landowner damage claims, valuing wildlife, road kill salvage, using disease to build fear to end hunting, captive breeding challenges, Dave's cheapness, Chris's WY elk hunt, sharing honey holes, and a great grizz...
0017 - Dissecting the Alphabet Soup of Public Lands: Where can you hunt?
September 18, 2018 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBNot all public land is treated the same, especially when it comes to access for hunting. Myriad acronyms and a multitude of oversight agencies can make knowing your rights hard to understand. David and Mike break down the different state and federal agencies that manage our public lands, the purpose of their management, and whether the public can hunt them. Think you cannot hunt on National Parks or Monuments, or even Military installations? You may be surprised. Any restrictions on state ma...
0016 - Shooting Sports and Conservation with Dianna Muller, Ryan Muller and John Burns
September 11, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBYou've heard about three gun matches. Or maybe you haven't. We discuss how taking part in shooting sports can improve your hunting skills, and specifically how three gun shooters impact conservation funding. Maybe you're a three gun shooter thinking about taking your skills to the field. We've got you covered. Dive into the conversation with some of the sport's leading shooters, Dianna and Ryan Muller as well as long-range shooting expert John Burns. We promise you'll walk away with a differ...
0015 - Dissecting the Land and Water Conservation Fund
September 04, 2018 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28.3 MBMaybe you've read about it or seen references to it on social media. Maybe you know that it's set to expire on Sept. 30, 2018. But how much to you really know about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)? You'll learn plenty as David, Mike, and Nephi take you through its history, how it's funded, how money is spent, and what Congress is considering today. Do you like baseball fields, swimming pools, parks, trails, river access, land access, hunting, or fishing? Then don't miss this epis...
0014 - A Conversation with Game Wardens from Across North America
August 28, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBEver wonder what it takes to be a game warden? The guys crash the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association annual convention to find out. Join them as they talk to Liza-J Bobseine of New York, Kerry Wrishko of Saskatchewan, and Shawn Blajszczak of Wyoming about their experiences in wildlife law enforcement. Learn about fighting illegal trade of animal parts like shark fins, ivory, and live tigers. Other topics discussed include: the process of becoming a game warden, using D...
0013 - Dissecting the Endangered Species Act, Part 3: Proposed Changes to the Act
August 21, 2018 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBIt's all been building to this. In Part 1, we talked history of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Part 2 focused on how it works. Now, in Part 3, the guys discuss the future of the ESA. They touch on a series of bills introduced by the Western Caucus in the US House. What is the Western Caucus? The guys explain. They dissect a US Senate draft bill, and detail regulatory proposals introduced by the Secretary of Interior. Can they succeed? How can you make your voice heard? You'll have to list...
0012 - Hunter Advocacy with Land Tawney, President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
August 14, 2018 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBLand Tawney, President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers joins Dave, Mike, and Nephi for an educational, thought-provoking, and frequently hilarious conversation. Learn about BHA's "Hike to Hunt" program; training for hunting season; hunter/outdoor rec partnerships; Dave's terrible kayaking skills; history, mission, and structure of BHA; Land and Water Conservation Fund; River Access; backcountry law enforcement; importance of landowner relationships; Dave's deer honey hole; and Lan...
0011 - Dissecting the Endangered Species Act, Part 2: Nuts and Bolts of Listings
August 07, 2018 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBIn Part 2 of a 3 Part series, Dave, Mike, and Nephi get a little wonky talking about how the Endangered Species Act operates, or is supposed to work. The guys discuss the process of listing and delisting species, candidate species, public participation in the process, as well as some of the other things the Fish and Wildlife Service must do under the Act. This episode draws upon the Part 1 discussion about why the Act was passed, and sets up Part 3 that will cover proposed statutory and regu...
0010 - Interview with Zach Bowhay of Hunt DIY
July 31, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBZach Bowhay is back to talk with the guys about how to game western preference point systems and why it's creating a problem for the future of hunting. Zach reveals the trials of being an outdoor writer, and the guys talk about the evolution of state wildlife management. The guys also debate whether too much hunting success early on is good for a new hunter. Join the guys at First Lite headquarters. www.itsyourmountain.com Hunting, Fishing, Public Lands Law and Policy, Preference Point...
0009 - Dissecting the Endangered Species Act, Part 1: History of the ESA
July 24, 2018 05:49 - 37 minutes - 26.7 MBMike and Dave tackle the first episode of a three part series on one of this country's most impactful conservation laws - the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They share their personal experiences working with the ESA in science, law, and policy, and then dive into its storied history. Did you know that the ESA was Congress's 3rd attempt at a species preservation law? You will after this episode. The guys also discuss how a small fish shut down a $100 million water infrastructure project, the f...
0008 - Kryptek's Kelli Thornton discusses women hunting, hunting in Africa and getting veterans into the field
July 17, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBKryptek's slogan, from battlefield to back country, only tells part of the company's story. They also have notable employees and the guys sit down with one of them--international hunter and hunting emissary Kelli Thornton. The guys learn about how she got into hunting and the fast growing segment of women hunters, blaze pink, commissioner tags, getting veterans into hunting, and the North American versus African conservation models. Hunting, Fishing, Conservation, Public Lands, La...
0007 - Dissecting Senator Mike Lee's Public Land Proposals
July 10, 2018 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBYou've read the headlines and seen the tweets about U.S. Senator Mike Lee's ideas for limiting national monument designations, and transferring public lands to private hands. Some groups are even using it to fundraise. But what did the Senator actually say, and what does it really mean? The guys discuss what is motivating the public lands transfer crowd, Senator Lee's ideas for transferring public lands, the likelihood of the legislation going anywhere this Congress, and how you can make y...
0006 - Conservation and Camo with First Lite's Ryan Callahan and Western Hunter's Zach Bowhay
July 03, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBThe guys cover lots of ground in this educational and funny episode with First Lite's Ryan Callahan, and Western Hunter's Zach Bowhay. Topics covered include: why everyone loves Idaho, what got Ryan started in the outdoor industry, advocating for front country vs. backcountry access, does camo work, the Pittman-Robertson Act, finding more money for wildlife conservation, the 2% for Conservation program, do non-hunters pay their fair share for conservation, Butch Cassidy in Idaho, and much mo...
0005 - Dissecting The Pittman-Robertson Act
June 26, 2018 06:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBYou hear it all the time - hunters pay for wildlife conservation. But, what does that really mean? In this short but educational episode, the guys breakdown the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act - better known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. They cover: (1) The events that led to Congress adopting the Act, (2) How the Act works, (3) Why hunters and non-hunters should care, and (4) current legislation that would amend the Act, including each one's likelihood of passing this Congress. You...
0004 - Black Bear Hunting, and Hunters as Conservationists with Jana Waller of Skull Bound TV
June 19, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBDavid Willms, Mike McGrady, and Nephi Cole visit with Jana Waller, wildlife artist, and host of Skull Bound TV on The Sportsman Channel. The guys sit down with Jana only hours after her epic Montana black bear hunt and get all the details. They also discuss the importance of educating non-hunters about hunters as wildlife conservationists, the value of hunting in Africa, the changing demographics of the American hunter, and the need to recruit women and veterans to hunting. Jana also share...
0003 - Public Lands with Braden Sheppard, Utah Governor's Office
June 11, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBDave Willms, Mike McGrady and Nephi Cole visit with Braden Sheppard from Utah Governor Herbert's Office. The guys visit about Braden's work with big horn sheep, shrinking Bears Ears National Monument, loving our public lands to death, hunting in Utah, Revised Statute 2477 road claims, and Dave questions whether Utah actually has a cutt slam. Hunting, Fishing, Recreation, Outdoors, and Public Land Law and Policy Show Notes:coming soon http://www.itsyourmountain.com/podcast/
0002 - The Outdoor Economy with Amy Roberts, Outdoor Industry Association
June 11, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBDave Willms, Mike McGrady and Nephi Cole chat with the Executive Director of the Outdoor Industry Association, Amy Roberts, from her office in Boulder, Colorado. This episode dives into the reasons behind the >$800 billion outdoor recreation economy, Bear's Ears, Utah's public land bills, public land transfers, supporting the Land and Water Conservation Fund, tariffs on outdoor recreation gear, the backpack tax, the Outdoor Industry Association's efforts to get inner city children in the g...
0001 - A Conversation with Steven Rinella of MeatEater
June 11, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBDave Willms, Mike McGrady, and Nephi Cole visit with author and TV personality Steven Rinella, host of the MeatEater TV show and podcast, from his home in Seattle. In this episode, the guys tackle who knows the most about dinosaurs, the best parts of a sage-grouse, history of the Wilderness Act, permitting for filming in Wilderness areas, Dave's propensity for short-range shooting, the future of MeatEater, whether hunting is a fundamental right or a privilege, and Steve's podcast tour. ...
000 Your Mountain -Teaser
June 06, 2018 03:43 - 1 minute - 1.1 MBThere are millions of acres of opportunity out there. They belong to you. Every day decisions are being made that affect your land, your water, your wildlife. You should know about them. This is your mountain. Teaser episode. Hunting, Fishing, Public Land Law and Policy http://www.itsyourmountain.com/