The Average Conservationist - Sportsmen's Empire

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Rose Schneider from The Grasshoppers Mermaid. TGM is a lifestyle apparel brand based out of Colorado. The two kick things off talking about Rose's background and how she found herself in Colorado and what made her decide to start her own retail brand, despite her background being primarily in journalism. Rose talks about the influence her grandfather had on her and how she takes a small piece of him with her to every trade show she attends. With conservation and giving back being one of the cornerstones of the business, Rose explains the importance of it and what they are hoping to accomplish in the future. If you're looking for some great new apparel that supports a good cause, be sure and check them out at grasshoppersmermaid.com.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Dan Nelson and Sebastian Alvarado from 2% Certified Local Outdoors Brand. Local Outdoors is a lifestyle apparel brand supporting conservation with an emphasis on creating memories and getting outdoors in your local area, wherever that may be. The guys open things up talking about their upbringing in Michigan and how the two re-connected after growing up in the same small town. Dan discusses how the company was formed and why conservation is at the center of everything they are doing. If you're looking for some new gear to show some love for your home turf and support conversation in the process, go check out Local Outdoors.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus breaks down the recent ruling in the Corner Crossing case in Wyoming. In short, the Corner Crossing case was a lawsuit filed against 4 hunters in Wyoming who accessed a piece of public land from another by using a ladder to cross at an intersection of 2 pieces of private land. Two separate suits were filed against the hunters, both criminal and civil, claiming that the hunters trespassed on private land by crossing the air space on the private land. In both cases, the judge ruled in favor of the hunters and has potentially set a precedent for not only Wyoming but other western states as well. Time will tell what this means for other states, but for now it was a victory for hunters.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by Clark Dodd. Clark is the owner of 2% Certified Bella's Bones. Bella's Bones is a company that makes various items like bottle openers, pizza cutters and wine stoppers out of shed antlers that Clark and his dogs find. Growing up in east Tennessee, Clark is no stranger to the outdoors and really cut his teeth fishing the trout streams in the Smoky Mountains with his Dad and not long after that started bowhunting. Clark spent the better part of 20 seasons working in Yellowstone while living in different parts of the country before finally settling down just outside of the park. What started as making a few small items for friends has turned into a full fledged business where Clark attends various craft and trade shows to sell is handmade, statement pieces to outdoor lovers. If you're looking for a cool, conversation starter household item, be sure and check them out all he has to offer at bellas-bones.com.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

Joining Marcus this week on The Average Conservationist Podcast is Nick Alexander. Nick is the owner of 2% Certified CRKT Perfect Protein. What started off as a way to find a different source of protein, has led Nick to starting his own business and on a mission to educate others on the benefits of not only eating crickets, but the lack of a footprint the operation has on the landscape. This episode is filled with a ton of great insight and knowledge into Nick's business and plan for the future surrounding all the different ways one can consume cricket protein. If you're looking for a high protein, nutrient dense alternative to your normal diet, I highly suggest taking notes on this episode. Nick is on a mission to change the perception behind eating crickets and spreading the word to whoever will listen. To learn more about CRKT, check out crkt.life.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the Founder of 2% Certified Hunt West, Jaden Bales. Hunt West is a resource for hunters looking to optimize their western hunts through Jaden's years of experience. Have a tag in your hand, but need help putting a game plan together? Jaden will help you do just that to make sure you don't find yourself wondering what or where to go next. The guys cover a lot of ground during their conversation from crazy stories in the backcountry, to why conservation is so important for the future of our landscape. Jaden explains why he started the company and how he's making a living off of conservation. This is a great conversation from start to finish, with even a slight cliffhanger at the end. To learn more about Hunt West, follow them on social media or check them out at huntwest.net.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with 2% for Conservation Communication Coordinator, Brie McWade. Brie opens up the conversation talking about her background and how she found her way to 2%. Growing up in the shadows of Mt Rainier, Brie spent much of her time submerged in all things 'Pacific Northwest' and since 2017 she has spent much of her time discovering all things western, especially hiking around our National Parks. When she's not out hiking around Brie volunteers her time as a certified Master Gardener for Los Angeles Country from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources to educate on sustainable landscaping, best practices in vegetable growing, water conservation efforts and pollinator preservation. Be sure and follow Brie along on her various adventures on IG at @stateofbrie!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus revisits a recent episode with Walter Piper. The work that Walter and his team are doing to study the decline of Loons in the upper midwest is paramount for the long term success of the species. During this conversation, Walter talks about the work he has been doing for the past 20 years and how you can help him and his team continue their research and help come up with viable solutions to make sure the decline can be mitigated as much as possible. Find out all about the work that is being done and how you can help out at loonproject.org.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Ed Speakman from Our Grounds Coffee. The guys kick the conversation off talking about Ed's introduction to the outdoors and the similarities between Pennsylvania and Michigan. Ed talks about the origin story of Our Grounds and how he started roasting coffee beans for his friends and once that took off, he realized he could make a go at his own small business. The guys talk about the ups and downs of owning a small business and how if you have a dream and work hard, anything is possible. They close out the conversation discussing why conservation and giving back are some important and when the turning point was where the guys knew they had to start giving back. If you're in the market for some new coffee, be sure and check out Our Grounds Coffee and grab a bag today!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the host of the Conservation Unfiltered Podcast, Jason Crighton. The guys kick things off catching up on last year's deer hunting season and how they are trying to get their kids involved in the outdoors and making memories along the way. Jason and Marcus discuss how they approach preparing for podcast guests and ways to ask important questions without getting scripted answers. From there Jason discusses a recent partnership with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in Pennsylvania, what KECA is all about and plans he has for this year's event (you're going to want to hear this). All in all, it's just a great conversation about a wide range of topics with plenty of laughs along the way. Enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant, outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is joined by Rob Hummel. Rob is the owner of 2% Certified Mountain Man Deer Processing, a mobile deer processing company based in the tri-state area. Rob kicks things off talking about his upbringing in the outdoors and what got him into hunting. The guys talk about how Rob decided to start the company and how his process works. Rob discusses the importance of caring for the meat and what customers can expect from him when he shows up ready to process your deer. Rob uses the same care on his customers' deer as he would his own, so you can expect the absolute best quality. Rob and his team will process and give you whatever cuts you want, vacuumed sealed and ready to go by the time he leaves. If you're in the tri-state area and think you may need some help with your next deer, be sure and check them out!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

Today on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus is riding solo to talk about springtime and some of the ways you can get outside and do some good. When the snow is finally gone, you can start to see more green than white and brown, the days are getting longer and you're seeing more of the sun than you've seen in months. Now is the time to use all of that pent up angst from sitting inside during the winter and get out and do some good. Hit some local trailheads, water access points or even parks and pick up some trash that was left throughout the winter months. Take the family and make a day of it, now is a great time to have conversations with the young conservationists in our lives about leaving things better than you found them.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Shannon Waters from Gastro Gnome. The two kick things off catching up on the Western Hunt Expo and the recent BHA Rendezvous. Shannon talks about how the product offerings have changed since their last episode and the process that goes into creating a new meal. The two talk about Gasto Gnome's most recent offering and that is instant coffee that is unlike anything else on the market. Shannon also discusses her love for what she's doing and how she didn't have a backup plan when she started the business two and half years ago. If you haven't already, be sure and pick up one of the many different meals GN has to offer for your next backcountry adventure.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Professor of Biology from Chapman University, Walter Piper. Walter has spent the last 30 years studying Loons in the upper regions of the midwest, specifically Wisconsin and most recently Minnesota. The loon population continues to decline in these areas and Walter and his team are researching the cause and how to potentially right the ship going forward. Recently, Walter and his team lost some funding for the research being done in Minnesota and need some help in order to fully staff their efforts and attack this research with the proper amount of people. Head over to loonproject.org to learn more about what Walter and his team are doing as well and to donate to their research efforts.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus catches up with returning guest Dustin Diefenderfer from MTNTOUGH. Dustin discusses the growth over the past year and half, what's led to it, and how more than just aspiring backcountry hunters are signing up and becoming MTNTOUGH Athletes. The guys discuss doing hard things and stepping out of your comfort zone, and how the new MTNTOUGH app has made it easier than ever to start your fitness journey right in your own home, with minimal equipment. Whether you're looking to take the next step in your training, or you're just getting started, MTNTOUGH has a program for you. Download the app today and get started!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with author and entrepreneur, Zach Hanson. Zach is the founder of TheOutfitter.Guide as well as the author of his recently released book, Turning Feral. Zach opens the conversation up talking about his journey into the outdoors and how he was able to try and shorten his learning curve when it came to not only whitetail hunting, but western big game. The guys discuss Zach's journey into trapping and how it's looked at as a bit of a lost art as well as his new company and book. Be sure and pick up a copy of Turning Feral on Amazon and if you're running a guide business check out Theoutfitter.guide.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with the owner of 2% Certified brand Dangles Gear, James "Fort" Fortner. The guys start their conversation by going back to the beginning, of where it all started for James. Growing up in an outdoor family, being outside and in nature was all James ever knew. Whether shooting archery as a kid, hiking in to fish high country lakes or chasing big game, James and his family cherish the outdoors. In order to do his part to help preserve our wild places, James started Dangles Gear to help fund those who make it their life's mission to give back. Dangles Gear sunglass leashes use 100% recycled materials on all of their products to help further their conservation mission. Head over to danglesgear.com and use code AVERAGE50 (all caps) at checkout and save 50% off your order.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Nick Green from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. The guys talk about a bit of a hot button issue here in Michigan and that's the expansion of Army National Guard Base, Camp Grayling. The National Guard is proposing to lease an additional, roughly 160,000 acres of public land on top of the roughly 140,000 acres they currently occupy. The guys cover how everything came about, what the initial feedback was from the public and where things currently stand. Whether you're a Michigan resident or just an average conservationist, this is an episode that you'll want to hear.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more relevant outdoor content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Stephen Davis. Stephen is a Michigan native and current real estate agent in Lexington, Kentucky. Stephen opens things up talking about his upbringing in Michigan, his interest in the outdoors, his love for music and he wound up a real estate agent. The guys take a sidebar to talk about one of Stephen's other passions, bourbon and helps point Marcus in the right direction for his next purchase. Stephen discusses how his love and curiosity for wild places led him to start hunting this past year and the story of how he was able to harvest his first whitetail deer. This is a great conversation that covers a lot of topics and the two share a lot of laughs throughout.Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!

This week on The Average Conservationist Podcast, Marcus sits down with Paul Campbell from the NWTF to talk about wild turkeys. Paul kicks things off talking about how he got introduced to the outdoors and how turkey hunting saved him when he was at a rough patch in his life. The guys talk about the great work NWTF is doing across the country to help restore the wild turkey population along with some of the things the organization has accomplished during their 50 year tenure. Paul closes things out talking about his biggest takeaway from the organization and it's an answer that anyone who hunts turkeys is going to love to hear. Paul is also the co-host of the Ohio Outdoors Podcast that also airs on the Sportsmen's Empire, so be sure to check that out.Overall, a great conversation from start to finish and one you'll enjoy!Check out the Sportsmen's Empire Podcast Network for more awesome content!