Explore every episode of the podcast Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast

Small game, big traditions! We head to Squirrel Camp to talk hunting, family, mentorship, falconry, wild game cooking, and the importance of getting the next generation outdoors. Discover why this annual gathering is about much more than harvesting squirrels, it's about building community, celebrating our hunting heritage, and creating lifelong conservationists.

 

https://azwildlife.org/ 

Join me for a conversation with conservationist Joe Trudeau as we take a deep dive into Arizona's conservation landscape. From national monument and Wild and Scenic River protections to the ongoing debate over feral horses and the challenge of balancing competing interests, we cover a wide range of issues shaping the future of Arizona's public lands in the 78th episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

https://www.wildverderiver.org/ 

Arizona Wild and Scenic Rivers - Lifeblood of the Desert II PDF: https://kinetichorizons.com/support/AZ-WSR/Arizona%20Wild%20and%20Scenic%20Rivers%20-%20Lifeblood%20of%20the%20Desert%20II-sm.pdf 

Arizona’s public lands generate billions for our economy and provide unmatched access for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. But what happens if those federal lands are handed over to the state? Find out on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

Read from the report, "Fiscal Impact of Transferring Federal Lands to Arizona" here.

In this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, host Michael Cravens sits down with Christian Fauser, a rising conservation leader at the Arizona Wildlife Federation. Christian shares his journey from growing up in Tennessee to discovering the wild west and Arizona. The conversation dives into his love for our outdoors and wildlife and into his new role as the Public Lands Coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation. Listeners will gain insight into the fresh perspectives and passion that Christian brings to the Federation’s long-standing mission of safeguarding Arizona’s wildlife and wild places.  ​     https://azwildlife.org/

The Records of Arizona Big Game is the oldest running state record book in our nation. Its pages are filled with records, data, and amazing stories going back to 1970!  Find out why this exceptional book belongs on the bookshelf of every hunter and wildlife enthusiast in Arizona in this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

https://azwildlife.org/records-of-arizona-big-game 

Join us in "streaming" this conversation with Alicia Marrs, Director of Western Water for the National Wildlife Federation. You'll learn about Low Tech Process Based Restoration (LTPBR), which is a very practical, hands-on technique for improving degraded watersheds using natural materials to slow the flow of water. LTPBR helps restore habitats by reducing erosion, increasing infiltration, and restoring natural wetland functions. A bonus of this conservation strategy is that it can actively involve volunteers, including kids and families, in the installation of these LTPBR structures.

You can reach out to Alicia Marrs directly at MarrsA@nwf.org

Find the National Wildlife Federation's Western Waters webpage at:

https://www.nwf.org/Northern-Rockies-and-Pacific-Region/Conservation/Western-Water

Website for Arizona Cross-Watershed Network:

https://www.azcrosswatershed.net/

Did you count the number of water related puns in this episode? If so, send the number of puns, along with the specific pun words to Trica at trica@azwildlife.org. The first person to submit all the correct responses will win a special prize! We'll announce the winner in a future episode (with permission of course). Have fun!

 

 

 

Tyler Sladen is a falconer who specializes in the intense and complex art of chasing desert qual with pointers and a goshawk. Listen in as we talk about this and many other aspects of the rich endeavor of falconry.

 

https://azwildlife.org/ 

https://www.instagram.com/quail_hawk/ 

https://www.facebook.com/tyler.sladen 

https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/photos-falconry-quail-bird-dogs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWp7XcPc1gg

 

Fireflies are having a moment in Arizona! Given their association with, and reliance on, moist soils and riparian habitats, it's no wonder they are a species of special interest here in our mostly arid state. Join Trica and her guest, Rachel Laura, to hear about Arizona's fireflies and their amazing life histories. You'll also learn about ways you can get involved in the conservation of these amazing, bioluminescent beetles. 

To learn more about AWF or to make a contribution go to: www.azwildlife.org/donate

To connect with our guest, Rachel Laura, for any questions or to get on her volunteer list for the next field season, you can email her at rlaura@arizona.edu

Friends of the Verde River, our Affiliate organization where Rachel works, also has volunteer opportunities, including Low Tech Process Based Restoration projects. You can find out about their volunteer opportunities at www.verderiver.org

To learn more about Firefly Atlas, including how to identify different firefly species and contribute information to their database, visit www.fireflyatlas.org

To find out when Tumacacori National Historical Park is offering their summer firefly tours, give them a call at 520-366-5060

 

Listen in with Russell Kuhlman, of the Nevada Wildlife Federation, and I as we talk about the recent fight to keep the sale of our public lands out of the reconciliation bill and what you can expect going forward.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.ndow.org/

 

Listen in as we sit down with Wren House Brewing to learn all about this exciting project that incentivizes public land owners to engage with their representatives in the best way possible!

https://www.wrenhousebrewing.com/

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona

 

Join Trica as she chats with Annita Lucchesi, Program Manager for Artemis,  the National Wildlife Federation's outdoor women's program. You'll hear all about resources, opportunities, access, and support for women in the outdoors. You'll also learn about "Storytelling for a Purpose" and "Grumpy Grandpas!" So tune in!

Find out more about Artemis:

https://artemis.nwf.org/

Connect with Annita:

LucchesiA@nwf.org

Connect with Artemis on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtemisSportswomen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemis_sportswomen

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@artemissportswomen

 

 

 

Our public lands are facing greater threats than ever before. Listen in as we dig into the wild world of public lands policy with MeatEater’s Ryan Callaghan and learn all about why these lands are worth fighting for, current threats to them, and how you can help keep public lands in public hands.

https://azwildlife.org/2025-Arizona-Bill-Tracker

https://www.themeateater.com/listen/cals-week-in-review

Join host, Trica as she chats with Woniya Thibeault about Woniya's time on the Alone show, her book Never Alone: A Solo Arctic Survival Journey, connecting with nature and "seeing with wild, more capable eyes," survival skills, the ethics and value of hunting, and about her upcoming online skills gathering. 

For a special discount code to Woniya's current online skills gathering, listen to the podcast! 

Connect with Woniya at:

woniyathibeault.com

or at

buckskinrevolution.com

You can purchase Woniya's book Never Alone: A Solo Arctic Survival Journey by clicking here

or listen to it via Audible.com!

 

 

Credited with bringing many iconic North American species back from the brink of extinction and maintaining healthy and robust wildlife populations throughout our country, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has proven to be an astounding success. Still, there are politics and policies at play that threaten to dismantle this critical science based model of conservation in Arizona and beyond. Listen in while our guest, Chuck Podolak, tells us all about Conserve and Protect Arizona and the work that they do to fight against threats to our North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://conserveandprotectaz.org/

In this episode, Trica chats with Chay Venrick, an outdoor ambassador who is totally fit to inspire.

Chay shares how she found inspiration and health in nature, changed her life, and began helping others find fitness and happiness through inclusive outdoor activities.

Follow Chay on Instagram - @easydoesithiking

Outdoor Afro - www.outdoorafro.org

Girl Trek - www.girltrek.org

Getting Closer Everyday - www.gettingclosereveryday.com

Start Today article: How 1 woman learned to control her anxious thoughts — and lost 100 inches - https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/woman-body-dysmorphia-anxiety-loses-100-inches-rcna166593

Email questions to Chay - easydoesithiking@gmail.com

Arizona Wildlife Federation - www.azwildlife.org

Colorado Wildlife Federation - www.coloradowildlife.org

 

 

Listen in as we explore conservation on private land and learn all about Arizona’s Babbitt Ranches with our special guest Billy Cordasco.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/ 

https://www.babbittranches.com/

https://www.babbittranches.com/podcast 

Join us on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast as we discuss all things fly fishing, kids, and a dynamic program that brings them together: The Mayfly Project.

 

https://themayflyproject.com/

https://www.azwildlife.org/ 

Listen in as your host, Trica, chats with wildlife biologist, Cheryl Mollohan, to learn all about Bobcats in Tucson.

Be amazed with the results from this study of bobcats living along the urban/wildlands interface!

Learn more about Bobcats in Tucson here: https://bobcatsintucson.net/

Reach out to Cheryl or submit bobcats photos and sightings at bobcatsintucson@gmail.com 

Remember to support AWF! Visit www.azwildlife.org/donate

Join Trica for her first episode of the AWF podcast as she and her guests discuss the Desert Fence Busters, a collaborative group of conservation organizations and agencies who share the common mission of removing outdated barbed wire fencing from the landscape to enhance wildlife movement and safety.  

Sign up for a Desert Fence Busters event:

 https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/agency/detail/?agency_id=154137

Learn about the Friends of Ironwood Forest:

https://ironwoodforest.org/

Here's more on the Desert Fence Busters:

https://www.sonorandesert.org/learning-more/remote-camera-wildlife-monitoring-project/desertfencebusters/

Here's the Desert Fence Busters training video:

https://www.sonorandesert.org/fencebusters/#/

Additional questions? You can reach Scott at: ssprague@azgfd.gov or Dave at dave@ironwoodforest.org

 

Arizona is a hotspot for reptile diversity in our nation. Like the iconic western diamond-backed rattlesnake, some species are well known, but others, like the little New Mexico ridged rattlesnake, are much more obscure. Listen in as we explore conservation and recovery efforts underway for one of Arizona’s most seldom encountered rattlesnakes!  

Is non-lead ammunition effective for hunting? How does lead affect humans, birds of prey, and other wildlife? Why aren’t we all shooting non-lead ammo? Listen in and learn the answers to these questions and more with our guest, President and CEO of the Peregrine Fund, Chris Parish.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://peregrinefund.org/

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona_events 

September 1st is a highly anticipated date here in Arizona as well as across our nation. Hunters young and old look forward to fast action wing shooting and dove poppers sizzling on the grill! From scouting, to gear, to processing and cooking, learn all about this fun method of grocery shopping on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona_events

 

 

Are monarch butterflies imperiled? Where do monarchs overwinter? Can you grow milkweeds in your garden? Where can you buy milkweeds? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast!

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://in.nau.edu/greenhouse/projects-and-activities/milkweeds-for-monarchs

From the natural history of bighorn sheep in Arizona to the efforts to keep them on the landscape today, learn all about these amazing animals, hunting for them, and their conservation on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://adbss.org/

The upper Verde River isn’t only a valuable resource to those that enjoy recreating on Arizona’s public lands and waters, it’s also the home and habitat to countless species of wildlife including several that are threatened and endangered. In this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, learn all about this amazing river and the effort to designate it as Wild and Scenic.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.americanrivers.org/the-upper-verde-river-a-wild-and-scenic-river/

Mearns, or Montezuma, quail are a little bird with a big game reputation in the sporting community. Listen in as one of Arizona’s premier upland guides gives his perspectives on Mearns quail management and conservation.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.davebrownoutfitters.com/ 

Listen in while we deep dive on the Gould's wild turkey! From their natural history, to hunting, to their successful reintroduction to Arizona, we cover it all with our guest John Millican on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast!

 

https://azwildlife.org/

On this special episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, we're excited to introduce you to your new cohost of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast!

While Trica Oshant Hawkins' official role is Conservation Programs Director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, her passion for conservation, and all things wild, along with her natural ability to communicate those passions to others makes her a natural fit for the show. Listen in and learn all about Trica and her plans for the podcast! 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

Lion hunting brings about strong emotions in a lot of folks. Regardless of your feelings about the hunting of lions, or other predators, it’s important to have an understanding of the pursuit and those who love it. Listen in to this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast where we sit down with Doug Boykin of Boyken Guides and Outfitters and explore the fascinating world of lion hunting.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/ 

https://azhuntingguide.com/about/ 

 

 

What do you do when you come across a hive of Africanized bees?

How do pollinating insects relate to hunting?

Are insects disappearing?

Learn these answers and more on this fascinating episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast with UA Research Scientist in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Stephen Buchmann and Author, Photographer, Teacher, retired Game and Fish Biologist, Bruce Taubert.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.azwildlife.org/Advocacy-Coordinator

https://www.azwildlife.org/garden-for-wildlife

https://monarchwatch.org/waystations/

Stephen Buchmann buchmann.stephen@gmail.com

Bruce Taubert abtaubert@q.com

Join us as we dive into the complex and sometimes controversial topic of hunting bans with our guest John Stallone of Howl for Wildlife.

 

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/

https://azwildlife.org/

https://aztrail.org/

 

Why would anyone want to limit themselves by turning their backs on modern technology in hunting equipment? Find out on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast with traditional bowhunter and conservationist, Greg Munther.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

It’s wintertime in Arizona and for many that means one thing, quail hunting!

In this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, I get to sit down with Brian Lathrop from Valley of the Sun Quail Forever and Jim Littlejohn from Southern Arizona Quail Forever and talk all about quail hunting and quail conservation. Listen in and learn all about chasing these amazing little birds and the great conservation work that these valuable organizations do.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

https://www.votsqf.com/

https://www.saquailforever.com/

 

Arizona's waters are vital to our wildlife and our quality of life. Listen in and learn what's in store for our state’s waters and water policy following the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court case with Chuck Podolak, Director of the Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

While fall in Arizona is great for a multitude of outdoor activities, fishing should have a prominent place near the top of the list. Listen in and learn all about Arizona’s ample fishing opportunities. From bluegill in your local community lake, to giant flathead catfish, to trophy bass and trout, we cover them all in this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

https://azwildlife.org/BOW

https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/agency/detail/?agency_id=127589 

We are blessed in Arizona to have ample public lands to support wildlife and wildlife habitat. Still, challenges persist in regards to habitat fragmentation from roadways and energy transmission. Listen in with Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Statewide Connectivity Biologist, Jeff Gagnon, and discover some of the science behind wildlife migrations and how we are working to mitigate the impacts of a growing and changing state.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

Even for those the furthest removed from our amazing wild places and wildlife, bears stir up deep and powerful emotions in us all. This couldn’t be truer for those that enjoy pursuing these magnificent animals to bring home to the dinner table. If you're one of these hunters, or even if you're just curious about bear hunting, this podcast is for you. Josh Kirchner, aka the Dialed in Hunter, is one of the best bear hunters that I know and his thoughtful way of relaying his experience and expertise in all of his media is sure to make you a better bear hunter.  Listen in for tips to help you in the upcoming season or just to simply just get a glimpse into the exciting world of bear hunting!

https://azwildlife.org/

https://dialedinhunter.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ItIjVnltPYvPWohOPk0dQ

https://www.facebook.com/dialedinhunter/

https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter/?hl=en

https://www.saquailforever.com/

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona

Listen in and learn all about the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife Program. From an apartment balcony, to a suburban yard, all the way to an entire community, improving and creating habitat around our space not only benefits wildlife but also enriches the quality of our lives.

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.nwf.org/home/garden-for-wildlife

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/4th_annual_dove_hunt_with_arizona_bha

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/4th_annual_dove

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/7th_annual_family_squirrel_camp_hosted_by_az_bha_and_az_wildlife_federation

 

Trapping for food and fur is an ancient pastime that is still practiced today by many. Despite this, the general public and even some in the sporting community, know little about it. Listen in on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation and learn all about trapping in Arizona and maybe even clear up a few misconceptions.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://arizonatrappersassociation.com/index.html

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona_events

https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/wild-in-the-city

The Arizona Wildlife Federation serves as the state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, the largest conservation organization in our Country. Listen in with my Guests Lew Carpenter and Aaron Kindle and learn all about this relationship and how it benefits our wildlife, habitat, and public lands in Arizona and across our Nation. 

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.nwf.org/

https://www.nwf.org/outdoors

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/national-wildlife-federation-outdoors/id1403554700

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona_events

https://www.votsqf.com/calendar.html

https://aztrail.org/

Listen in as we discover the complex and rich world of Falconry with Arizona's own Nathan Danforth from Sky Island Falconry Experience.

 

https://azwildlife.org/

https://skyislandfalconry.org/

https://azwildlife.org/BOW

https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/elk-clinic

Hunter Education Volunteer Contact:

DANIELLE KLAAS | HUNTING & SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAM MANAGER

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT 

PHONE: 480-318-9430

EMAIL:   dklaas@azgfd.gov

 

 

Listen in with Scott Garlid of the Arizona Wildlife Federation and Nate Reese of Trout Unlimited as we discuss the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, what this means for the sporting community, and the work being done to ensure access for hunting and angling.

Please join us on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast as we sit down with Dave O’Connell of Bearizona. This conversation goes way beyond the walls of this impressive facility and their amazing animals as we explore the roles that zoos and aquariums play in the conservation of our wildlife.

https://bearizona.com 

https://www.azwildlife.org

https://azantelope.org/event

www.nwtfhuagoulds.org 

https://www.azwildlife.org/BOW 

 

Inspired by Orvis’s commitment to conservation, today we are sitting down with Orvis’s own Tom Rosenbauer to chat about fly fishing and conservation. Tom’s easy going personality, conservation ethos, and commitment to teaching have made him an iconic and much loved figure in the fly fishing community.

For the whole month of May, during the Orvis Give Back Days, you can save ten percent on your purchase at the Phoenix Orvis store with a donation of ten dollars to the Arizona Wildlife Federation!

Arizona Wildlife Federation

https://www.azwildlife.org/

Orvis Phoenix

https://stores.orvis.com/us/arizona/phoenix 

Arizona Antelope Foundation - Big Lake Grassland Ecosystem Fence Modification

Sign up online at https://azantelope.org/event-5254746 or call Dave Cagle at (928) 242-9871 or info@azantelope.org

Arizona Elk Society - Dickenson Flat Habitat Project

Volunteer online at http://arizonaelksociety.activehosted.com/f/92 or for questions call: 623-444-4147

Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society

https://adbss.org/

No matter how you spend your time enjoying Arizona's great outdoors, including a field guide and a pair of binoculars in your pack for pursuing our diverse array of bird species is sure to add to your fun. Whether you’re already a seasoned pro or you’re just getting into birding, you're bound to learn something new from our expert guests Tice Supplee and Jennie MacFarland about the captivating world of bird watching.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

http://www.azantelope.org 

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona_events

https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/annual-events

 

Spring is in the air and, to many, this congers up dreams of thundering gobbles ringing across the Arizona landscape. Spring gobblers are one of the most exciting, and challenging, game species to pursue in our state. Listen in as Roy Crane and Jesse Warner of the National Wild Turkey Federation give you all the tips, tricks, and knowledge that you'll need to be successful in the turkey woods this spring. 

Arizona Wildlife Federation

https://www.azwildlife.org/

National Wild Turkey Federation

https://www.nwtf.org/

Fish AZ Network

https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network

AZGFD Spring Gould's Turkey Survey

Contact John Millican at j2dbmill@msn.com or Officer Brit Oleson at boleson@azgfd.gov

Earth Day Work at SAQF Habitat Project

Contact Zack May 520-301-8135 or Jim Littlejohn 520-490-1374

Arizona Predator Callers

Contact jerry.d.thorson@gmail.com or call 602-292-6337

The Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Introductory Event

Pre-register or information: www.nwtfhuagoulds.org or contact David Kemnitz at 678-520-4287, or Wayne Kaiser at 520-678-9827

Marvin Robbins Youth Turkey Camp

https://register-ed.com/events/view/183117

Arizona Trail Association Administrative Director Position

https://aztrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/admin-director-employment-opportunity.pdf

Join me as I sit down with AJ Murosky of Valley of the Sun Quail Forever and Nathan Fyffe of the Arizona Game and Fish Department as we dig into the whats and hows of the Arizona Small Game Challenge. You'll not only learn all about this amazing challenge but you'll also be taken along on the race to be the first person to finish it. 

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.votsqf.com/

https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/challenge-info/

https://www.arizonaelksociety.org/annual-events

https://www.saquailforever.com/

Volunteers for Wildlife, Wilderness Fence Removal Project - Contact: Trica at trica@azwildlife,org

https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/170-outdoor-skills-network

Our public lands are the foundation of hunting, angling, and all outdoor recreation in Arizona and beyond. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is on the front lines fighting back against throes that wish to privatize and profit from them. Find out why I, and so many others, love this great conservation organization in this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast with President and CEO, Land Tawney and Arizona Chair, Justin Nelson.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/arizona

https://www.saquailforever.com/

https://www.nwtf.org/

https://www.azflyshop.com/?v=e748b7c8fd06

 

In this important episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, we sit down with Daniela Zavala and Max Trujillo of HECHO (Hispanics enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) to talk about the why’s and how’s of connecting the different demographics in the sporting and outdoor recreation spaces for the betterment of wildlife, habitat, public lands, and people.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

https://www.hechoonline.org/ 

Today's show is all about fire!

 

There is so much to learn in this episode that I don't even know where to start. How do these devastating wildfires get started? More importantly, how can we prevent them from starting in the first place? With that, why on earth is the Forest Service out there lighting some fires on purpose? Ever drive by a logging project and wonder what's going on? What's all that orange or blue paint is about? 

 

Get the answers to these questions and many more on this episode of the Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast with guests Alex Fischer of FiredUp Flagstaff and Matt McGrath, District Ranger, of the Forest Service.

 

https://www.azwildlife.org/

FiredUp Flagstaff: 928-421-2444

https://gcmaz.com/kaff-news/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino

https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/170-outdoor-skills-network