The Hunter Conservationist Podcast

Biologist Paul Jones from the Alberta Conservation Association joins Mark to explore the incredible migration of pronghorns across Alberta’s vast grasslands. Discover how these swift creatures navigate over 2,500 kilometers annually, overcoming obstacles like fences and highways. Learn about groundbreaking research on their migration patterns, survival strategies, and the innovative efforts to create safer wildlife corridors. This episode is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists eager to understand the future of prairie ecosystems and the role of science in conservation. Tune in for insights into the majestic pronghorn and the broader implications for biodiversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Crossing the Line, Curtis sits down with Nelson Augustine of Mountain Man Outdoors in Cranbrook, BC. They talk about the 40+ year history of the family-run business, what life behind the counter of a small-town outdoor store really looks like, and how hunters, sport shooters, and first-time firearms owners are navigating Canada’s changing firearms landscape. From the real process of buying a firearm in Canada to the financial and operational impact of recent bans and policy changes, this episode offers a practical, on-the-ground perspective from someone living it every day. If you want to understand how these policies affect not just gun owners, but local businesses and rural communities.   Support the show! Wild Origins Canada Foundation Monthly Supporters: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join fourth-generation rancher Lauren Copithorne as she unveils the challenges of living alongside Alberta's booming grizzly bear population. Discover how these bears impact her cattle operation and the innovative ways she manages them. This episode delves into bear behavior, the risks to livestock, and the debate around hunting for population control. Lauren shares her insights on community-based management and the importance of involving landowners in decision-making. Perfect for conservationists, farmers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, this episode offers real-world insights into coexistence with Alberta's growing bear population. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark, Curtis and Dr. Ray Hilborn for this griping episode. Dr. Hilborn sets the record straight on the narrative of ocean depletion, revealing a nuanced and surprisingly positive outlook on marine ecosystems. Discover the truth behind fish farms, salmon stocks, and the socio-economic value of recreational fishing. This episode dives into the complex dance between science, policy, and public perception, offering hope through evidence-based insights and successful conservation stories. Perfect for anglers and conservationists, this conversation will reshape your understanding of ocean health and the real challenges we face. Don't miss this myth-busting journey into the resilience of marine life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Breann Billey to talk about her journey into firearms ownership — how it started, what surprised her, and how it’s shaped her confidence along the way. We get into first impressions, stepping onto the range for the first time, and the realities that don’t always match public perception. Breann shares what it’s like navigating the firearms community as a woman, the nerves that come with trying something new, and the unexpected personal growth that followed. We also touch on self-defense, personal safety, and why respectful conversation matters more than ever in a space that often feels divided. This isn’t a debate. It’s a story about confidence, responsibility, and what can happen when someone decides to step outside their assumptions and try something for themselves. If you’ve ever been curious about what draws ordinary people into shooting sports — or why women are increasingly part of that conversation — this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the intricate world of migratory waterfowl regulations in Canada. This episode uncovers the international treaties and policies shaping hunting seasons, with insights from Jim Fisher, Vice President of Canadian Policy for Delta Waterfowl. Learn how decisions are made at the highest levels, affecting everything from dove and crane seasons to swan harvests. Explore the science behind population thresholds, shared harvest allocations between the U.S. and Canada, and the political landscape influencing these regulations. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or wildlife enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how international cooperation and science-driven policies ensure sustainable management of our shared wetlands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode explores the journey of introducing children to hunting from a family perspective, discussing the importance of teaching kids about nature, responsibility, and the ethics of hunting. The conversation highlights the balance between outdoor activities and technology, the significance of making hunting fun, and the role of community and conservation in shaping young hunters. Jennifer and Zach Fraser are outfitters in Alberta, and they share their experiences and insights on navigating social perceptions of hunting and the potential for educational programs in schools to foster a deeper understanding of where food comes from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark and Doug discuss the current state of the fur industry, highlighting a wave of optimism driven by increased demand for sables and positive trends in Russian auctions. They delve into the importance of advocacy through events like Fur Day on the Hill, emphasizing the need for trappers to build strong community relations to mitigate conflicts with pet owners. Recent incidents involving pets and traps are examined, along with the legislative challenges posed by proposed fur bans in Colorado and Oregon. The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming trapping association AGMs as opportunities for engagement and education within the trapping community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firearms are one of those subjects where opinions often form long before understanding does. For many Canadians, guns don’t play a role in everyday life. They appear briefly in headlines, political debates, or moments of crisis, and then disappear again. When that happens, it’s easy for assumptions to settle in without ever being examined. This episode takes a step back from conclusions and asks a simpler question: How do we arrive at our views on firearms in the first place? Rather than debating policy or trying to persuade, this conversation explores how familiarity, distance, fear, and lived experience shape what people believe,  and why those beliefs can feel complete even when they’re built from the outside. It’s not about convincing anyone to change their mind. It’s about understanding how minds change at all. Whether you’ve never handled a firearm, grew up around them, or sit somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider what actually informs your opinions, before the next moment demands a reaction.  If you’d like to continue the conversation or share your thoughts, you can reach me on Instagram at @curtishall_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Accurate wildlife counts shape everything from conservation strategies to sustainable hunting regulations. But what happens when aerial survey numbers don’t match what people see on the ground? In this episode, host Mark Hall digs into the messy, fascinating world of wildlife inventory methods and the growing push to modernize them. Featuring insights from Dan Melody of Owyhee Air Research and Scott Ellis of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC, the conversation explores why traditional helicopter surveys fall short, how new imaging technologies are changing the game, and why local knowledge remains an untapped powerhouse in wildlife management. Join the Wild Origins Canada monthly supporter program https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Owhyee Air Research https://www.owyheeair.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crossing the Line is a Canadian podcast about firearms, people, and policy. This introductory episode explains why the show exists and what it aims to do differently. Crossing the Line isn’t about telling you what to think, pushing politics, or debating headlines. It’s about slowing the conversation down and examining how firearms ownership actually works in Canada—beyond assumptions, fear, and surface-level arguments. The show explores what it means to cross the line from non–gun owner to owner, when government policy crosses a line for responsible Canadians, and why public understanding matters when laws affect millions of people. You don’t have to own a firearm or agree with everything discussed. The goal is clarity, context, and a more grounded conversation—focused on reality rather than rhetoric. This episode sets the foundation for everything that follows. Please reach out to my Instagram handle @curtishall_ with questions or comments or ideas that could be brought up on future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark and Curtis as they learn from the powerful stories of women who are making an impact in the hunting, fishing and conservation industries. Despite facing social media backlash and discrimination, these leaders turn adversity into empowerment. Hear from Jen, Lisa, Sali, and Chris as they share their journeys, strategies for handling negativity, and the importance of community. This episode is a call to action for women and allies to stand strong and create lasting change. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or advocate for gender equality, these stories will inspire you to push past the noise and own your journey. Join Our Monthly Supporters Program You Fuel the Mission. We Deliver the Impact https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/become-a-monthly-supporter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Mark Hall as he dives deep into the complexities of wildlife management with Matt Besko, Executive Director of Alberta's Hunting, Trapping, and Angling Branch. In this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom of science-based management and explore the intricate balance between peer-reviewed studies, local knowledge, and real-world observations. Discover how decisions are made in the field, and why sometimes, the absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will change the way you think about science-based wildlife management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it moral to kill an animal without eating it? Dive into the complex world of hunting ethics with Mark Hall as he challenges the 'eat what you kill' doctrine. Explore how intent, method, outcome, and relationships shape the morality of hunting beyond mere consumption. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that questions cultural norms and embraces moral pluralism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaden French joins Mark and Curtis to share his perspectives on the story behind the new film documentary: Takla. Talka is a film about Guide-Outfitter Michael Schneider and the Takla community who, together, are building an apprenticeship program for youth. This episode highlights the importance of community engagement, trust-building, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the program. Jaden shares insights on the connection to the land, cultural heritage, and the role of the community in fostering pride among youth. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities within the guiding industry and the broader implications for reconciliation and doing the right thing in community relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to 2026 at The Hunter Conservationist Podcast. Mark and Curtis Hall sit down with Dr. Todd Zimmerling, President of the Alberta Conservation Association to explore the amazing work and people at the Alberta Conservation Association and the future of conservation funding. This episode asks: who should pay for conservation—hunters, outdoor users, or everyone—and considers if increased contributions from non-hunters should mean more influence over wildlife management. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that may redefine how we all protect Canada’s natural heritage in 2026 and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark and Doug discuss the current state of the fur trade, focusing on recent changes in fashion magazine policies regarding fur, the implications of biodiversity and sustainable trapping practices, and the ongoing legal battles faced by mink farmers in British Columbia. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the need for the fur industry to adapt and respond to anti-fur sentiments while highlighting the role of trappers in wildlife management and conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the intricate history of grizzly bears and humans in North America. Dive into the science and stories that challenge the notion of that grizzly bears were here first. Discover how understanding this complex past can foster empathy and reshape conservation efforts for a harmonious future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Hunter Conservationist Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of black bear management in Ontario with Mark Ryckman from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Join us as we explore the proposed changes to hunting regulations and the critical role hunters play in shaping sustainable wildlife policies. With decades of advocacy and a commitment to conservation, Ontario hunters have the power to influence the future of bear management. Now is the time to make your voice heard! Visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario to review the proposals and submit your feedback before the January 5th deadline. Together, let's ensure a balanced and thriving ecosystem for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this captivating episode of the Alberta Conservationist Podcast, join host Mark Hall as he delves into the fascinating world of genetics and wildlife conservation with Dr. Alfred Roca from the University of Illinois. Discover how Illinois' white-tailed deer population carries genetic variants that offer significant protection against chronic wasting disease (CWD). Explore the implications of these findings for wildlife management and the potential historical factors that have shaped these genetic defenses. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a conservation professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the genetic battles being waged in nature. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges science and conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices