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Urgent Action needed! In this episode Aaron sits down with Lukas Leaf and Matthew Schultz from Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. The House of Representatives recently voted to strip a 20-year moratorium on mining in the Boundary Waters region and in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through the unprecedented use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). A vote in the U.S. Senate is expected to be held any day. Aaron, Lukas, and Matthew walk you through the conservation history of the region and its values, why mining here is a terrible idea, how the 20 year mining moratorium came to be, what the CRA is and why this particular use of the CRA is like nothing in history, and what you can do today to help keep protections in place. This episode is a must listen if you are an American conservationist.   NWF Outdoors action alert: https://support.nwf.org/page/93268/action/1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=20260126_Outdoors_ETT_Senate_BoundaryWaters_NoSpecies_Email1&utm_content=20260126_Outdoors_ETT_Senate_BoundaryWaters_NoSpecies_Email1+6313878455&ea.url.id=4517047 Sportsmen for Boundary Waters website: https://sportsmenbwca.org/; Sportsmen for Boundary Waters action alert: https://bit.ly/SpeakUpForTheBWCA   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Tanner sit down with renowned, award-winning journalist, writer, and communicator Hal Herring — one of the leading voices on the history and future of America’s public lands. From the hills of Alabama to the Montana mountains, Hal has explored nearly every facet of conservation, restoration, and land management. He’s thought about it, written about it, and lived it. In this episode, he shares his deep understanding and fiery passion for wild places and public lands. Join this fascinating and wide-ranging conversation as we trace the origins of America’s public lands—how we got them, the defining (and sometimes disastrous) decisions along the way, and what’s at stake today. Hal helps us imagine a hopeful path forward, one where healthy, thriving landscapes remain a shared inheritance for future generations. Hal is a one-of-a-kind storyteller and advocate for wild spaces. Tune in for an insightful, funny, and thought-provoking discussion that will leave you inspired to reconnect with—and reinvest in—our public lands. Explore Hal’s work:https://www.halherring.com/ The Narrow Corridor – Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson From the Nobel Prize–winning authors of Why Nations Fail, this book explores how liberty survives only when governments and citizens maintain a delicate balance of power. Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot, and the Creation of America’s Public Lands – John Clayton A dual biography of two giants—Muir the preservationist and Pinchot the conservationist—whose collaboration helped establish the concept of publicly owned lands. Our Common Ground: A History of America’s Public Lands – John D. Leshy A sweeping account of how the U.S. came to hold nearly one-third of its land for the public good. Leshy reveals how bipartisan decisions built the foundation for recreation, conservation, and education on 600 million acres of shared land. Mining Law: A Study in Perpetual Motion – John D. Leshy A deep dive into the 1872 Mining Law—its history, flaws, and modern-day implications for land use, environmental protection, and mineral policy. DeVoto’s West: History, Conservation, and the Public Good – Bernard DeVoto A collection of essays from one of America’s most eloquent defenders of public lands. DeVoto fought to protect Western landscapes from privatization and exploitation, arguing for strong federal stewardship—a message still powerfully relevant today. This America of Ours: Bernard and Avis DeVoto and the Forgotten Fight to Save the Wild – Nate Schweber An award-winning chronicle of Bernard and Avis DeVoto’s crusade to save national parks from privatization during the McCarthy era. Their fight for conservation, free speech, and democracy remains a timeless call to action. Lands Worth Saving: The Weeks Act of 1911, the National Forests, and the Enduring Value of Public Investment – James G. Lewis A look at the transformative 1911 law that created national forests in the East and restored millions of acres. This book connects the historic Weeks Act to today’s efforts in climate resilience and forest protection. The Nation’s Largest Landlord: The Bureau of Land Management in the American West – James R. Skillen A comprehensive history of the BLM and its evolving mission to balance conservation, industry, and public access across 258 million acres of land. Skillen explores how this complex agency reflects America’s conflicted relationship with its own natural resources. Hal’s Reading List Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, during one of the most perilous times for public lands in recent memory, the NWF Outdoors Podcast hosts Aaron Kindle and Tanner Saul sit down with Congressman Gabe Vasquez,public lands champion from New Mexico’s 2nd District  and co-founder of the bi-partisan Public Lands Caucus. We talk about the real threats facing public lands and the urgent need for bipartisan action. Congressman Vasquez shares his personal journey into Congress, his love for New Mexico’s wild places, and why he helped launch the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. He breaks down how and why he’s fighting to stop land sell-offs and what we can do to maintain access and improve management on public lands. Even if we win current battles, we must remain diligent and defend public lands as the national treasure they are.  If you hike, hunt, fish, or just love being on public lands—this one’s for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, NWF’s Aaron Kindle and Tanner Saul team up with veteran Wyoming journalist Angus Thuermer to dive deep into one of the most contentious public land battles in decades: corner crossing. With decades of boots-on-the-ground reporting, Angus brings a sharp perspective to the legal, ethical, and conservation questions swirling around this case—and what its outcome could mean for hunters, anglers, and all who rely on public lands across the country. Angus Thuermer | Wyofile: https://wyofile.com/author/angus_thuermer/ NWF Outdoors Links Website: https://www.nwf.org/Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwfoutdoors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWFoutdoors/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Walt Dabney, a true public lands champion and a neighbor to Aaron in Buena Vista, Colorado. Walt's incredible 43-year career with the National Park Service, spanning iconic locations like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the vast wilderness of Alaska, and his subsequent leadership as Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife, offers unparalleled insight into the value and the current threats facing these vital resources. The conversation takes a critical turn as we delve into the most pressing issue facing our public lands today: the significant loss of experienced staff and vital resources. Walt minces no words as he explains the devastating impact of these cuts on everything from visitor safety and resource management to the economic well-being of gateway communities. He paints a stark picture of overflowing restrooms, increased risks of unmanaged wildfires, and the potential for irreversible damage to these cherished landscapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! Outdoor traditions, and especially our public lands, are uniquely American. Something worth investing in and fighting for. Recreation. Cultural artifacts. Drinking water, fishing, wildlife habitat, energy resources, hunting and the backbone of rural economies. Our public lands provide so much for so many, and there's thousands of stories around each one of them. We aim to tell those stories and show our listeners the connection between enjoying the outdoors and engaging in conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The great Mark Twain once wrote, “Buy land, they aren’t making it anymore,” but Mr. Twain was wrong! The Mississippi River and the state of Louisiana are working together to build tens of thousands of acres on the Louisiana coast. Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Chairman is Bren Haase. Chairman Haase is a passionate hunter and angler from Sportsman’s Paradise, and he joined us to talk about Louisiana’s coastal land loss crisis and how the state is battling that crisis for both people and wildlife. Suggested Links: https://coastal.la.gov/ https://midbasin.coastal.la.gov/ https://coastal.la.gov/our-plan/2023-coastal-master-plan/ https://www.vanishingparadise.org/blog/2022/8/creating-paradise-at-davis-pond Due to advertising inserted into the show post production, we are no longer able to provide show notes. Please be sure to following NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill sit down with renowned deer expert, speaker, and author Jim Heffelfinger to discuss a wide-ranging set of topics focused around the status of mule deer. We expand on what is impacting mule deer health and abundance, CWD, what impacts antler growth, how habitat changes life histories of mule deer, and many other fascinating topics. We even throw in a good deer joke. Jim is the complete expert on mule deer and this is a discussion you don’t want to miss.  Suggested Links:  https://deernut.com/home https://wafwa.org/wpdm-package/2023-range-wide-status-of-the-black-tailed-and-mule-deer/ Follow Jim on Instagram @CervidNut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill and Aaron have a fun conversation about all things onX hunt app with Jared Larsen, the company’s Whitetail Marketing Manager. We talk about the advent and growth of the company, new features, things in the works, how they feel about the complaint that folks don’t have to put in the work to scout areas, the conservation work onX does, and many other interesting topics. We also take a few questions from listeners who will now receive a one-year elite membership. Jared is a fun and charismatic dude. You don’t want to miss this one.  Suggested Links: https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app https://www.onxmaps.com/news https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives https://www.onxmaps.com/onx-access-initiatives/private-land-public-access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lots of guests elicit laughter and also a few tugs at the heartstrings. Laughter is pretty easy, but it’s rare a guest has both Aaron and Bill holding back tears in between the laughs, but Joey Monteleone did just that. From working hard in the inner city as a child of immigrants to traveling North America lecturing, writing and filming television shows about fishing, Monteleone has managed to live the life so many of us dream while hopefully watching a bobber during our youth. Over 50,000 (more than 1500 over five pounds) bass later, Joey’s focus on simplifying tackle and techniques is awesome information for both beginner and veteran fishermen.  Suggested Links: https://hub.jacksonkayak.com/team-jk/kayak-fishing-factory-team/joey-monteleone/ https://www.amazon.com/ILL-BE-TENNESSEAN-YA-History/dp/1689845139 https://www.amazon.com/60-Seasons-fishing-Joey-Monteleone/dp/1952474922 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Storms-CentAnni-Joey-Monteleone/dp/1957344202/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15Q7IQIDO5MUD&keywords=the+secret+of+storms+joey+monteleone&qid=1692194518&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+secret+of+storms+joey+monteleone%2Cdigital-text%2C106&sr=1-1-catcorr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron sits down with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International while at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference. They discuss what SCI is, what type of policy SCI works on, the work SCI does to defend hunting and what that currently looks like across the US. Aaron and Chris also discuss the negative impacts to wildlife management if/when attempts to degrade or reduce hunting opportunities become a reality. Suggested Link: https://safariclub.org/ Show Notes: 1:29 - Aaron shares a little background on SCI and his connection with Chris. 4:35 - Chris shares his aim when attending conferences around the country. 5:54 - Chris has a background in litigation. He shares some of his legal background and experience. 7:17 - "What's the craziest thing that came across your desk?" Chris shares what he can on a podcast. 8:44 - SCI is a 501 C4 which also has a 501 C3 advocacy side. Chris talks about how SCI is structured and the type of work they do around the world. 12:15 - Defending the federal government more often than not? Chris unpacks this and then talks about his state to state work. 16:30 - Chris deals with everything from rabbits to rhinos. 21:01 - Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Show notes are not available after this stage due to inserted ads from our hosting platform. "Hunting pays for conservation. Hunting has paid for conservation for 100 years... or more" For more great content, action alerts and information on how you can make a difference. Please follow NWF Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Wilkins works on the land stewardship team at the National Wildlife Federation. During this episode of AFIELD, he sits down with Rob Catalanotto and Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited and Friends of Fletcher’s Cove. Friends of Fletcher’s Cove is committed to maintaining, improving, and sustaining Fletcher’s Cove as a premier urban gateway to the outdoors within Washington, D.C. Through grassroots advocacy and stakeholder collaboration, they ensure Fletcher’s Cove is preserved and protected to benefit anglers, paddlers, wildlife enthusiasts, and outdoorspeople of all backgrounds.   Fletcher’s Cove is a revered and historic outdoor resource along the Potomac River, located just below the fall line in the Potomac Gorge–roughly 2.5 miles upstream of Georgetown. The site is managed by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, which receives millions of visitors each year. Fletcher’s Cove is one of the few public access points where for over one hundred years, visitors have enjoyed safe and reliable access to the Potomac river for fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and many other forms of outdoor recreation. Chris has worked for Trout Unlimited for 20 years, and previously worked for the United States Forest Service. He is an average but exceptionally earnest angler. Rob is a D.C. native who learned to love the outdoors and environmental conservation at Fletcher's Cove. Rob is also a Government Affairs representative for Trout Unlimited, working to advance coldwater conservation issues on Capitol Hill. Learn more here: https://savethecove.org/theissue/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill sit down with John Nores and Wayne Saunders, retired game wardens and co-hosts of the Warden’s Watch podcast. We hear crazy stories from the line of duty ranging from the time Wayne was shot and his badge saved his life to John’s many years of taking on drug cartels running illegal marijuana growing operations in California. We talk about how hunters and anglers should act if and when they are stopped by a warden, the most common violations, poaching stories, and how essential law enforcement is to safeguarding fish and wildlife. We also touch on the books John and Wayne have written. These guys are smart, entertaining, and have a wealth of knowledge you’ll definitely want to hear.  Links: Warden’s Watch podcast - https://wardenswatch.com/tag/podcast/ Wayne’s book - https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Woods-Wayne-Saunders/dp/1734930896, John’s website and book - www.johnnores.com and  https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-War-2nd-Operations-Reclaiming/dp/1951115333/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hidden+war+2nd+edition&qid=1674147534&s=books&sr=1-2 Show notes: 3:00 – Bill introduces Wayne and John (“John-Wayne”) from the Warden’s Watch Podcast.  4:25 – John, Wayne, Bill and Aaron share what they have been doing outside recently.  8:53 – Ticks are bad this season… like, REALLY bad!  13:55 – Bill brings it back to the meat and potatoes of this podcast. How did these two men get into being Game Wardens? 19:45 – How did John and Wayne meet? 23:44 – Bill requests some good Game Warden stories… 30:50 - What is the connection between people doing dumb things and our society? 35:10 – Bill requests some of the dark sides of Game Warden stories… (being shot on the job). 44:47 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen. Plus a few ads from our hosting platform. Show notes are not accurate from here onwards due to these ad inserts. We apologize for any inconvenience… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill chat with Bailey and David about the newly proposed “Public Lands Rule”, which will determine future management of Bureau of Land Management lands. We offer BLM history, why the BLM decided to propose the rule, what the rule is designed to do and how it can help fish, wildlife, and hunting and fishing opportunities. Also, sometimes called the “conservation rule”, the proposed rule sets out to rebalance management of 245 million acres of the American West, including some of the finest fish and wildlife habitat in the world. And anyone can offer their ideas and feedback to the BLM. This podcast will help you learn more and be ready to share your thoughts with the BLM during the official comment period, which closes June 20th.  Suggested links:  Learn about the rule – https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule Comment on the rule - https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023-0001-0001 Show notes: 4:32 – The team chats quickly about their outdoor pursuits during the Memorial Day weekend.  8:07 – David answers the question, “What is the BLM?” and shares a short history.  12:30 – Bailey joins the discussion regarding the history and background of the Bureau of Land Management. 16:13 – What is the BLM’s newly proposed “Conservation Rule”? 18:46 - Discussing neglect of the health and habitat of (some) public lands. These habitats need some active management and/or preservation. Cheatgrass and its role here. 24:55 – Short break for a message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen, and a couple inserted ads from the Waypoints advertising community. *Unfortunately, because of these inserted ads we cannot be as detailed with show note time stamps from this point onward, but we will let you know a few key topics covered here: ·      What does a degraded habitat look like from the road?  ·      “The land nobody else wanted…” ·      Underfunding ·      Conservation Leasing and the infusion of new resources ·      Why should hunters and anglers should care about the BLM’s proposed Conservation Rule? ·      Stream bank restoration projects and fish habitat improvements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Bill chat with long time authors Tom Reed and Greg McReynolds about the release of their new book, Mouthful of Feathers. The book is the result of years of compiling pieces from some of the most provocative upland bird hunting writers from across the country who have contributed to the blog of the same name. We talk love of dogs, love of wild country, and why they choose to build the book. We also wax about conservation writing, what inspires their work, and the state of outdoor writing. Mouthful of Feathers showcases a different kind of writing you won’t find in the traditional sporting publications – humorous, inspiring, irreverent, full of clear love for the outdoors, it is a unique and refreshing complication that will leave you feeling satisfied.  Suggested Link:  www.mouthfuloffeathers.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices