Conservation Unfiltered

On this episode, Jason talks with Bryan Burhans of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bryan is the Executive Director and this is our annual episode discussing the past year, along with the upcoming year. Topics discussed during the episode include the 2023 Bear and Deer seasons, changes to expect in 2024, and how the process of proposed changes work. Website | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, Jason talks with Chef Jeremy Critchfield. Jeremy is a lifelong outdoorsman with a 34 year 5 star culinary career and THE HuntChef! During the episode, Jeremy talks about how his career as a chef has inspired his work with HuntChef, tips for processing and caring for wild game, and best cooking practices. Chef also shares his passion on introducing more people to wild game and why that is such an important aspect of his work. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Experience Hunts Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Sara Mueller of the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Sara is the Executive Director of the WLA where she leads the administration and organizational growth and development for the organization. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with her B.S., Master’s degree, and Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. During the conversation, Sara discusses the mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy, the benefit of the summer field schools, and how you can participate. She rounds out the conversation detailing the Ambassador Outreach Program, DEI initiatives, and what's next for WLA. Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode Jason talks with Jeannine Fleegle and Andrea Korman of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Jeannine is a wildlife biologist working specifically with deer and elk and Andrea is the CWD section Supervisor. During the conversation, Jeannine and Andrea describe Chronic Wasting Disease, how it is transferred, and what species it can affect. They also detail why CWD is such a concern, what the PGC is doing to slow the spread, and how testing deer works for both the agency and hunters. They also touch on advice for consuming CWD positive meat and why hunters need to do their part.

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Ellen Candler. Ellen received her PhD in Conservation Science-Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Minnesota and is currently a postdoctoral researcher. She grew up in Idaho camping, hiking, rafting, hunting, and fishing, which led to a love of the outdoors. During the conversation, Dr. Candler lets us in on a unique project she is running: the Offal Wildlife Watching Project. She talks about the origin of the project, some of the animals and behaviors noticed, and how a hunter impacts wildlife after a successful hunt. The episode ends with how you can help the project by participating in citizen science! Website | Zooniverse | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Randy Ferguson about the good will of hunters in PA. Randy is the Executive Director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest and previously worked as the Volunteer coordinator for Crawford and Mercer counties. During the conversation, Randy tells us about the mission of HSH, how this all got started, and how the process works for both hunters and deer processers. He also details who benefits from the program, shares how successful the program has been in recent years, and how you can get involved with donations of deer or money. Website | Processor Map | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this EMERGENCY BONUS episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don is the PA Chairman of the BHA and a returning guest. He fills us in on a specific amendment to HB 1300, a state budget bill. This amendment redirects (STEALS) $150 million from the Game Fund and allocates that money for alternate spending. Listen in as Don explains how this is a terrible financial decision for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunters, conservationists, and outdoors people of all kinds. Organizations in opposition to the amended bill: Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Conservation Voters of PA, Ducks Unlimited, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Natural Lands, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Sierra Club PA Chapter, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy PA/DE Chapter, The Trust for Public Land, Theodore Roosevelt C

In this episode, Jason talks with Todd Holmes of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Todd is the Shooting Sports Division Chief and acting National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state coordinator. During the conversation, Todd fills us in on his role within the PGC, what NASP does, and how the program benefits kids. He also details how you can get your school involved with NASP, a possible political impact, and a new youth camp to look for in 2024! NASP Website | PGC Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Participating Schools Map Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

On this episode, Jason talks with Bob Frye of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bob is formerly the outdoor columnist for the Tribune Review and currently the Associate Editor of the PA Game News. During the conversation, Bob details how he started his writing career, gives advice on how to become an outdoor writer, and shares tips for how to hone your writing skills. He also dives into some of his favorite stories from his career. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Chris Beichner. Chris graduated from Clarion University and is the President and CEO of Allegheny Land Trust. His tenure has witnessed the creation of ATL's Community Conservation strategic focus, which includes conserving land in the City of Pittsburgh. During the conversation, Chris fills us in on the Mission of Allegheny Land Trust, general conservation benefits of setting aside land, and how the process works. He also details why partnerships are such a critical need, why they've partnered with GROW Pittsburgh, and how you can get involved. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric!Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Terry Bryant and JD Walker of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Terry is the Chairman of the Board and long time supporter of KECA. JD is the newly hired President of KECA who also has long ties to the organization. Topics in this episode include what KECA has accomplished over the years, why JD is such a good fit, and plans moving forward. You'll also hear conversations about the live stream that happened at Elk Expo 2023. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Live Stream Get summer savings on tools when you mention the show at Allegheny Valley Winlectric! Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Brandi Hanes, Morgan Lovenduski, and Ben Porkolab of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Brandi is the Visitor Center Supervisor, Morgan is Director of Marketing and Communications, and Ben is the Conservation Education Coordinator respectively. During the episode, They each fill us in on all that Elk Expo 2023 has to offer. Held this year on July 29th and 30th in Benezette, PA, Elk Expo will provide seminars, entertainment, food, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Listen in to find what you will love about the Elk Expo and start planning your trip now! In case you can't make it, be sure to check out the Conservation Unfiltered Facebook group and YouTube channel for a live stream. Happening on Saturday, July 29th from 9:00-5:00. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Elk Expo | Vendor List | Schedule Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Dillingham of the American Littoral Society. Tim is a biologist by training, former Director of the Sierra Club in New Jersey, and current Executive Director of ALS-an organization Protecting the Coast through Education, Conservation, and Advocacy. During the conversation, Tim highlights the mission of ALS, details the biggest impacts on coastlines, and how ALS uses education to help reduce erosion. He also talks about restoration projects, how natural materials are being used, and why those natural materials have benefits far beyond just one project. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

I this episode, Jason talks with Amy Floyd of Dalan Animal Health. Amy works as a Field Technician and in Beekeeper Relations while traveling around the US in a self-converted camper van with her dog. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management and Masters degree in Entomology and Insect Science from the University of Arizona. During the conversation, Amy fills us in on the honey bee industry, why honey bees are important to the ecosystem and our food supply, and what stressors are threatening honey bees. She also details how the AFB vaccine works, why it is needed, and if it is safe for humans. Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook ⁠Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Diana and John Ingles. Together, they are co-founders of a lifestyle brand called Wild Routed. Wild Routed is a family owned company producing unique products like stickers, shirts printed with algae ink, and hat patches, key fob holders, and key chains made with a plant-based leather alternative called MIRUM. During the conversation, Diana and John provide tips for planning and packing, recap their National Park tour, and give insight on which National Parks are hidden gems. They also provide insight on how and why their company gives back to our National Parks and Forests. Website | Instagram | Facebook Nurture yourself with Nature by visiting WildRouted.com and using CUFREESHIP23 at checkout!

In this episode, Jason talks with Steve Demarais of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab. Steve is the Co-Director of MSU Deer Lab, Taylor Chair in applied big game research, a lifetime hunter, and spent the past 40 years in the research field (in Texas and MSU) as a deer biologist. During the conversation, he fills us in on the purpose of the MSU Deer Lab, why GPS tracking is such a valuable tool, and how a GPS study works. Topics also discussed include what these studies have taught us, myths that have been debunked, and how GPS tracking is changing how we think about the spread of CWD. Of course, a large portion of the episode revolves around Buck 140, who swam across the Mississippi River multiple times while wearing a GPS collar. Website | YouTube | Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode, Jason talks with tick and Lyme disease prevention specialist, Brian Anderson. Brian, known as the Tick Terminator, works as a consultant & conference speaker. He helps outdoor workers and outdoor enthusiasts learn about ticks and disease prevention. During the conversation, Brian details the life cycle of ticks, habitat ticks prefer, and why ticks seem to be so prevalent now. He also details a few tick borne diseases, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do if you do find a tick on you. Brian ends the episode with a self written Tick Poem. Website | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Schaeffer about trout stocking. Time is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, an agency whose mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. During the conversation, Tim fills us in on when Trout season starts (SPOLER: it's April 1st!), why the agency stocks Trout, and who and wen stocking occurs. He also goes into detail about how the hatcheries work and warm water fisheries in the state. The episode wraps up with an important reminder about life jackets and water safety. Website | Apps | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Patricia Demarco. Patty received a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, She has spent a fifty -year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions. She served as Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association (2006-2011) and as Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University where she holds an appointment as Senior Scholar and Adjunct Faculty.(2011-present) She sits on the Board of Trustees for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and for The Allegheny Land Trust. Author: Pathways to Our Sustainable Future – A Global Perspective from Pittsburgh & In the Footsteps of Rachel Carson: Harnessing earth’s healing power During the conversation, Patty gives us an idea of what Rachel’s early years were like, who and what had the biggest impact on her interests, and how she developed her environmental ethic. The discussion also includes how Rachel’s legacy has persisted, why her words s

In this episode, Jason talks with Whit Fosburgh about sagebrush habitat. Whit is the President and CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, an organization working to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP unites and amplifies their partners’ voices to advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access. During the conversation, Whit shares the work TRCP has done over the past 20 years, what the biggest legislative wins were for 2022, and where the Recovering America's Wildlife Act currently stands. The meat of the episode includes his thoughts on the importance of sagebrush habitat, what threats are looming, and things being done to conserve the ecosystem in the west. The conversation wraps up with Whit's outlook on the impact the North American Grasslands Conservation Act could have. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube