The guys discuss legislative efforts to decriminalize corner-crossing in Wyoming and Oregon. (Note: Wyoming's effort failed after this episode was recorded, but could come back in future years, and there's still a 10th Circuit of Appeals case saying it is and always has been legal). They also put their tin hats on to discuss the recent action by the FWS to remove lesser prairie chickens from Endangered Species Act protections and initiate an new review of whether or not they warrant listing.

Blue laws were enacted hundreds of years ago to restrict or ban certain activities on Sundays for religious purposes, but are mostly a thing of the past. Yet, some states still restrict hunting on Sundays - for reasons that have nothing to do with religion. Which states restrict Sunday hunting, and why? Which states are considering changing their laws? How have the courts weighed in? The guys dive into the past, present and future of Sunday hunting laws in a way that may leave you with more questions than answers. Take a listen.    

The guys are joined by the Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to discuss a new law that lifts the ban on hunting on Sundays in the state.  Steve discusses the history of "blue laws", prior efforts to lift the Sunday hunting prohibition, the concerns of landowners and recreationistsand how they were addressed, how the agency will move forward with permitting Sunday hunting, how it will benefit hunters and wildlife, tresspassing in Pennsylvania, Dave and Nephi's different approaches to hunting antelope and elk, Steve's mountain, and so much more. It's not everyday that a several hundred year prohibition for hunters ends. It's worth celebrating! Tune in, and share this episode with your friends, family, colleagues, and enemies. 

Massive fires are burning across the western United States.  Politicians are casting blame, and conspiracy theories are flooding the internet. In this episode, the guys take on the topic of forest management. They discuss the history of US management, different factors that are contributing to today's fires, and some (very general) suggestions to tackle the problem in the near and long-term. Also, hear their take on the decision that removed William Perry Pendley from the helm of BLM. 

Last week the United Nations released its summary of a report indicating that one million wildlife species around the globe are at risk of extinction--many in our lifetimes. Dave and Nephi will introduce you to the  report's findings, what the biggest threats to wildlife are, and whether there is anything we can do about it. Oh, and they touch on introduced federal legislation that would prohibit grizzly bear hunting in the lower 48 states even after they lose Endangered Species Act protections. Scary!

Brian Brooks, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, joins the guys to discuss Rep. Mike Simpson's plan to save salmon in the Pacific Northwest from extinction. They discuss: the history of salmon; the causes of salmon decline; the importance of the rivers for power and commerce; details of Rep. Simpson's plan to breach four dams along the lower Snake river; next steps; Brian's mountain; and more.  

This week Dave and Nephi sit down with Ike Eastman of Eastmans' Publishing along with special guest co-host and American Hero,  Kyle Lamb. In this episode, they discuss Hunting Outfitters as they hang in the balance and what the future may hold based on current events and policy. 

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Guest Bios:

Ike Eastman - President of Eastmans' Publishing and oversees the daily operations of Eastmans' Hunting TV, Eastmans' Hunting and Bowhunting Journals, and Eastmans' Live Events including the Trophy Deer Tour.

Kyle Lamb - Sergeant Major (retired) Kyle Lamb spent over 21 years in the United States Army, with over 15 of that in 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force, The Unit, CAG, Task Force Green - whose members, along with SEAL Team 6, are sworn to silence on details of their existence - If you meet someone who served in "The Unit" they won't volunteer that information, they are the "quiet professionals" and their Unit remains "Black", unknown to the general public). He participated in Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq, and the battle made famous by the movie Black Hawk Down in Mogadishu, Somalia. SGM Lamb has received numerous awards and decorations. SGM Lamb is the Founder and President of Viking Tactics. SGM Lamb also appears on several Sportsman Channel TV Shows and has several books.

The Supreme Court recently overturned the 40 year old Chevron Doctrine, which required courts to give discretion to agency interpretations of the statutes Congress entrusted them with administering. Dave and Nephi break down the history of the Chevorn Doctrine, what the Supreme Court actually said, and what the pros and cons of this decision could be.  

This week the guys talk about Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA) and Prairie Chickens. Other topics discussed; Mike's big moves, How to become a primary or secondary source for Meateater, Endangered Species Act (again), The difference between Big Chickens and Little Chickens, Wildlife Funding and Grants, and a whole lot more.  

In late August, the state of Utah asked the United States Supreme Court to hear a case, where if Utah prevails, it could force the federal government to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of more than 18 million acres of public lands in Utah, and potentially hundreds of millions of acres of public lands across the country to states, or the highest bidder. Dave and Nephi take a deep dive into the issue discussing topics like: Utah's claims, how we got here, whether a decision favorable to Utah would include lands outside of Utah or lands beyond the Bureau of Land Management. They also discuss what happens if the Supreme Court declines to hear the case (hint: that's not the end of it), what they might want legislatively, their $12 million public education campaign, and other things you should know about this effort. If you are passionate about public lands, you should not miss this episode!

A lot of people in the media have opinions on Project 2025, a conservative think tank's vision for a republican led government. But, has anyone actually read it? Dave and Nephi breakdown what it actually says about the future of public lands and wildlife. Spoiler: it's a mixed bag. The guys also discuss a new innovative pilot project to encourage non-lead ammunition use on certain National Wildlife Refuges around the country. Double Spoiler: Nephi is fresh out of knee surgery and still a bit groggy at the time of recording, which means he doesn't hold back! 

The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft rule that, if finalized, would significantly change the way in which oil and gas leases are issued on public lands. The guys break down what it means for the industry, and the public at large. They also offer a tip of the hat to Backcountry Hunter and Anglers CEO, Land Tawney. 

Is hunting a right or a privilege? It depends on where you live. The guys are joined by new Your Mountain team member Shawn Blajszczak to discuss state efforts to adopt constitutional amendments to hunt and fish. Topics include: how hunting helped win the Revolutionary War; the Constitutional Convention; the 2nd Amendment; states that recognize hunting and fishing through their constitution; how state amendments differ; how courts have interpreted the amendments; and more. It's a little wonky, but a lot interesting. Enjoy!

Dave and Nephi break down a bill that could require leasing tens of millions of acres of public land to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve. They also discuss the administration's decision to prevent mineral leasing in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota, and to reinstate roadless rule protections in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Finally, the guys discuss a proposal to allow mountain lion pursuit with dogs after a tag's been filled. Enjoying the content? Ideas for an episode? Let us know. Send an email to yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com, rate us, and find us on social media @itsyourmountain.  

The guys take a deep dive into the history of wildlife management in America, using Wyoming's journey as as example. They discuss: how wildlife laws progressed from the 1860s to the modern era; how important the Pittman-Robertson Act passing was to state management efforts; what revenues make up state wildlife agency budgets; why the firearms industry supports the Pittman-Robertson Act, what the Recovering America's Wildlife Act would do for states; and more. They also try to match attorneys with conservation organizations in need of pro bono legal services. Take a listen, and then email yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com with future show ideas.  

The guys discuss a recent bill in Congress that would ban lead ammunition on US Fish and Willdife Service lands. They also jump back into the corner crossing issue with an analysis of the Wyoming litigation. Other topics include, transferrable landowner tags, National Corndog Day, why Nephi constantly interrupts Dave, and a teaser on a Sunday hunting case in Maine. Tune in!

Dave and Nephi provide an update on all things grizzly bears, including updating on a petition to delist Yellowstone grizzlies; a petition to delist Northern Continental Divide grizzlies; and a new population estimator showing there are lots of freaking bears. They also weigh in on a recent Matt Rinella piece advocating for fewer hunters. Spoiler: the guys commend Matt for being willing to speak up, but think he's missing the forest through the trees. 

Dave and Nephi road trip across Montana and Wyoming.  They discuss barriers for recruiting new hunters, such as: sharing your spot, finding a place to hunt, cost of equipment, access to shooting ranges, hunter diversity, judging others' reasons for hunting, complex hunting and fishing regulations, and more. They also preview parts 2 & 3 of this road trip series: good things for wildlife coming out of Congress; and a dive into the requirement that non-residents can't hunt Wyoming wilderness without a guide.

Dave and Nephi dive into a discussion about western water. Learn about the origins of prior appropriation, interstate compacts, equitable apportionment, instream flow, return flow, beneficial use, and other wonky water words. Water is the lifeblood of the west, feeds the country, and the fight over its use is escalating. The guys explain why. This isn't a dry topic, so take a listen. 

This week your hosts break down ANWR, the Transfer of Federal Public Lands, Climate Change, Santa Clause, McKenzie River Delta Gas Pipeline, Public Lands in Public Hands, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline.

You'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 different perspective.  

Swanny Evans, state government affairs director for Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, joins the guys on a late night in late September (yes, just releasing now) to discuss conservation. Topics include: why there aren't quail in Wyoming, Swanny's deer capture research in Georgia and Pennsylvania, how to dart a deer safely, prairie dogs and black footed ferrets, strangest meat they've ever eaten, wild/feral horse management, how it's different to work on issues in different parts of the country, R3, the work of Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Swanny's mountain, and much more. 

This week Dave and Nephi sit down to talk about mule deer migration with Patrick Rodgers, a University of Wyoming grad research associate at the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. They discuss the science of migration; riding the green wave; impacts of development; and whether hunting triggers migration. They also discuss Pat's recent film, "92 Miles: A Migration Story" where he chronicles his experience running a mule deer migration route from the peaks of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in CO to the sage hills of Southern WY. 

Bird numbers are down sharply across North America over the past 50 years. Dave and Nephi dive into some of the data about what's killing all the birds, and discuss a little bit about what can be done to mitigate some of the losses. Hint: cats don't come out looking great in this episode.

In Part 2 of our reflection on Sen. Lee's attempt to sell millions of acres of public lands, we take a look forward. The guys discuss why the threat of sale isn't dead; why hunters must remain vigilent in defending public lands; and ideas for helping turn the temperature down on sales threats by identifying solutions to better manage public lands for the benefit of everyone. Have other ideas for turning the temperature down after listening to this episode? Let us know by sending us an email at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com, or via Facebook or Instagram at the handle @itsyourmountain. 

Nephi shares stories from a recent waterfowl hunt in Nebraska, and Dave shares the origins of his waders. Then the guys explore a brief history of waterfowl and wetland issues in the United States, the Constitutional limits of the Clean Water Act, and the importance of states and private enterprise in protecting wetlands. 

As everyone knows, Sen. Lee's public land sales provision was pulled from the Reconciliation bill at the last moment, giving public lands champions a big win. However, this wasn't the first, nor will it be the last attempt to sell public lands. What led to this effort, and what can we do to quash it in the future? In a two part series, Dave and Nephi dive into those questions, and more. Part 1 focuses on the history of public lands, including the acquisition of lands, disposal of lands, conditions for admission of states to the Union, reserving lands for various purposes, ending homesteading, why we have so much public land in the west, and what sorts of events led to a desire to sell public lands. In Part II, the guys will discuss the future of public lands, and possible solutions to turn down the temperature. 

The guys give an update on the case involving delisting grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They also break down the major federal laws governing waterfowl management in the United States. Learn about Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Duck Stamp Act, how season setting works, and more!

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in a back room of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conferfence in September of 2024, and thought the file was lost forever, but some Nephi wizardry brought it back from the dead. The guys are joined by renound wildlife biologist, Jim Heffelfinger, as well as Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Partnership.  They share some of the major takeaways from this leading edge conference including: better ways to facilitate species recovery through creative application of the Endangered Species Act, and voluntary programs to reduce lead impacts on wildlife including ammo buy-back, use of different ammunitition types, and best management practices in the field. Everyone also shares their "mountain." This episode was worth the three month wait! Check it out!

A recent study shows that support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports in the United States has declined over the past 3 years (though it's still very high). The guys dive into the results, what it means for hunters and anglers, and things to think about to ensure strong public support long into the future.  

Dave and Nephi take a deep dive into the current status of wolves in the United States. They discuss: the new US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to delist wolves nationwide; the legal definition of distinct population segments; hunting wolves; reintroducing wolves in Colorado; the value of state management; current wolf populations; and more. They leave a lot on the table too, so watch for future episodes on the topic! 

Not 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 managed lands? We have you covered there too. Take a listen before you head into the field this fall.

The guys take you on a 230+ year journey to understand how the United States went from having zero acres of public land to acquiring 1.8 billion acres, and then wound up with the 640 million acres we have today. They will explain: why the acquisition and disposition of federal lands were critical to settling the country; how the government disposed of land; authority for the government to own land; the Federal Land and Policy Management Act; the sagebrush rebellion; and more public lands stuff. Download now! 

Dave and Nephi may have recorded this episode in September, but it remains topical today. The guys discuss transferrable landowner hunting licenses. Topics include: the history of landowner licenses; the effect of transferrable tags in other states; the importance of landowners for habitat and wildlife; what transferrable tags can do to tag availability in the random draw, and so much more. Safe to say that Dave and Nephi aren't perfectly aligned on this one. Let us know who's side you are on by sending us an email at yourmountain@itsyourmountain.com.

13 states have joined Utah in calling for the disposal of public lands. Dave and Nephi discuss which states, and what this means. They also discuss the banning of recreational shooting in Bears Ears National Monument, and provide an update on a bill that would allow Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. We call this segment--how to kill a bill. 

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Conservation Director joins the guys to talk about the history and mission of BHA, and well as a bunch of fun stuff. Topics include: John's time in the Peace Corps in Morocco; the CIA; hooky bobbing; free-range children; hunting the backcountry; BHA's growth; protecting hunting and fishing on public lands; BHA's position on the 2nd Amendment; the Magna Carta; birth of the public trust doctrine and the North American Model; Secretarial Order for protecting Migration Corridors; John's mountain; and more. 

Hunters are on the decline nationwide, which means so is funding for wildlife management. The guys talk about how to fund the future of wildlife management. Topics covered include: state and federal funding efforts; why non-consumptive user really means non-contributory user; why hunters need non-hunters; the need for non-hunters to contribute to wildlife management; and more. We get a little philosophical and a lot less wonky in this one. Hope you'll tune in!

The proposal to sell or otherwise dispose of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah was pulled from the US House Reconciliation bill. The guys talk about how it happened, and how Representative Zinke's red line, along with hundreds of thousands of public lands lovers from across the country speaking out, helped pull a rabbit out of a hat. They also discuss what still lies ahead with the Senate. Other topics include: OnX's last minute blunder, and other pieces you might care about that are both in and out of the reconiciliation bill--like Ambler Road(out), the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (in), and tax relief on suppresors (in). Lots covered in this one. 

The trio of Dave, Mike, and Nephi are all together in one spot to announce the winner of the gun giveaway. Plus the guys take time to relax and share the hunting tips they have acquired through time and experience (and tears for some). From Nephi's love of the best gear to Dave's frugal repurposing beyond just trash bags, to Mike's backpack full of individually separated, yet heavy stuff. The guys dial back the wonk and up the fun. Enjoy.

Jana Waller joins the guys to discuss what she's been up to since the last time she was on the podcast. She describes the transition from her show Skull Bound to her new show Skull Bound Chronicles. Other topics include: the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, hunting fossils and cultural resources in Utah (and the importance of leaving what you find), old school hunting gear, hunters as ambassadors to non-hunters, and so much more! You don't want to miss this one!  

Continuing 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. 

Dave and Nephi join Randy Newberg's Hunt Talk Radio- They discuss how the policy game works, an insider's perspective, what not to do, what to do, Dave's top 10 rules for effective advocacy, R3, lost access, conservation matters, managing hunters and hunting, elk hunting stories, and other great tangents from three passionate hunters who are concerned about wild places and wild things.

The guys bring you two episodes in one to discuss the policy and science of using traditional lead ammunition and alternatives. Episode 1 features ballistics and ammunition expert Ryan Bronson discussing the use of traditional lead ammunition. Episode 2 features Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the North American Non-Lead Partnership discussing non-lead alternatives. Spoiler: everyone agrees there is no need to further regulate lead ammunition, but there's still a lot to unpack here. Enjoy the dialogue! 

The guys discuss the origin and meaning of the term "Green Decoy." Are there nefarious operatives in our midst? Are some of the most popular hunting organizations in the United States just Trojan horses for "extreme environmentalists?" Can hunters and anglers call themselves environmentalists? Is there a simple test for determining whether someone represents a legitimate hunting or angling organization? These questions, and many more are answered during this entertaining episode. 

What 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 grizzly bear case.  

Bow Hunters Jess Johnson, Hanna Herold, and Codee Augustin join the guys to talk bow hunting. What were their barriers to entry? What was their experience buying a bow and learning to hunt? What made them become bow hunters? You'll learn about all of that, plus we discuss ethics of bow hunting, compound bows vs cross-bows, their mountains, and more. Take a listen - we guarantee you will learn something. 

Since 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 future of forest management- and so much more. 

Eric Dinger, CEO of Powderhook, and co-host of the On Gravel Podcast joins Dave and Nephi to talk all things hunting, including: R3; mentoring new hunters; things that keep people from hunting; why Lincoln, NE is the biggest little town in America; that time fantasy football cost Dave an elk; Nephi's propensity to interrupt Dave and tell stories with no ending; honoring our kill; and how the Powerhook app aims to increase hunting numbers to save our heritage. Take a listen and share with a friend!