Best jgassett Podcasts (2025)

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Season 2: Episode 36: Dan Cabela on Hard Truths of Conservation and the Future of Wildlife. 34:10

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1d ago34:10

34:10

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dan Cabela, Executive Director of the Cabela Family Foundation and host of Hard Truths of Conservation. Dan shares his journey growing up in the legendary Cabela family, the founding of the Cabela Family Foundation, and how his work has evolved into o…

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Season 2: Episode 35: Ammo, Advocacy and Access: Dan Wolgin Talks Ammo, Legislation and Conservation 33:17

9d ago33:17

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, co-hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto welcome Dan Wolgin, CEO of Ammunition Depot, for an eye-opening discussion on how legislation can directly impact conservation, the outdoor sporting community, and Second Amendment rights. Dan shares the unique origin story of Ammunition Depot—from a commodity h…

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Season 2: Episode 34: Brandon Maddox: CEO of Silencer Central on silencers, myths, and conservation. 31:31

16d ago31:31

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central—the largest silencer dealer in the United States. Brandon shares his unique journey from pharmacist to leading the suppressor industry, making the purchase process simple and accessible nationwide. W…

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Season 2: Episode 33: Selling the Outdoors: Matt Whitman Conservation and Connecting with Consumers 29:05

25d ago29:05

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Matt Whitman, Vice President of Marketing for American Outdoor Products, to explore how outdoor brands connect with today’s consumers—and what that means for the future of conservation. Matt shares insight from years of experience leading marketing strategy for well-known outdoor gea…

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Season 2: Episode 32: Rethinking Conservation: Tony Wasley on Wildlife Policy and the Public Trust 36:35

1M ago36:35

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Wasley—former Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and current President and CEO of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI). The conversation dives deep into the roots and evolution of North American conservation, the challenges of outdat…

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Season 2: Episode 31: How Hunters Are Fighting Hunger in America with Josh Wilson of FHFH. 34:14

1M ago34:14

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto welcome Josh Wilson, Executive Director of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). Josh shares the powerful story behind this national ministry—founded by his father in 1997—and its mission to connect hunters with families in need through donated wild game. F…

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Season 2: Episode 30: Fair Chase & Fighting Poaching: Inside Boone & Crockett with Tony Schoonen. 34:51

2M ago34:51

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Schoonen, CEO of the Boone and Crockett Club, America’s oldest wildlife conservation organization founded by Theodore Roosevelt. Tony takes us on a journey through the club’s storied history — from pioneering the National Forest Service and Nation…

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Season 2: Episode 29: Ruger: How America’s Largest Firearms Manufacturer Supports Conservation 35:16

2M ago35:16

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Join us for this episode of Connecting with Conservation as we sit down with Todd Seyfert, President & CEO of Ruger and Marlin, to discuss how the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. contributes to state-based fish and wildlife conservation through excise taxes. Todd shares his personal journey from growing up hunting in Wisconsin to leading …

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Season 2: Episode 28: How Social Media is Changing Conservation with Chuck R. of Open Source Defense 33:51

2M ago33:51

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Chuck R, founder of Open Source Defense and a longtime tech industry leader from Google and Facebook. We explore how technology and cultural perspectives around firearms shape modern wildlife conservation funding. Chuck shares fascinating stories from taking over a thousand Silicon V…

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Season 2: Special Alert: Public Lands Sell Off! 1:51

2M ago1:51

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Your public lands under management of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are in the crosshairs of congress. Give a listen to what several conservation community leaders think about this misguided approach.By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 27: Dustin Wallace talks about Faxon's contribution to conservation. 34:39

2M ago34:39

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In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dustin Wallace, Director of Sales & Marketing at Faxon to explore the fascinating intersection between American manufacturing, innovation, and wildlife conservation funding. Dustin shares Faxon’s journey from a machining operation to one of the most r…

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Season 2: Episode 26: Talking High Performance Rimfires with Scott Volquartsen 28:28

3M ago28:28

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Enjoy plinking or are you more of a competition type? This week on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Scott Volquartsen, the owner and innovator of high-end accessories and upgrades for your favorite rimfire calibers. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 25: Hornady's Commitment to Conservation with Seth Swerczek 31:10

3M ago31:10

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Did you know that Hornady is one of the largest U.S. based manufacturer of hunting products? Today on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Hornady's Marketing Communications Manager Seth Swerczek about their commitment to wildlife conservation funded thru the federal excise tax.By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 24: Beth Shimanski, Vice President of Marketing with Savage Arms Inc. 32:48

3M ago32:48

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Today on Connecting with Conservation, we talk with a major excise tax payer in the conservation arena. Beth Shimanski of Savage Arms, Inc. talks about some of the unique aspects of their business model. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 23: Executive Director Ryan Brown talks about Virginia Wildlife. 36:52

3M ago36:52

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Today on Connecting with Conservation we discuss all that Virginia has to offer in the form of wildlife-associated outdoor recreation. Ryan Brown, Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources joins us to talk bears, elk, and other iconic Virginia species. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 22: World and National Champion USPSA Competitor Julie Golob 29:40

3M ago29:40

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Today we speak with a USPSA National and World Champion competitor, veteran, coach, author, chef, and mom. Julie Golob is all of these and more. Hear her talk about her favorite outdoor pursuits that also help support wildlife conservation. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 21: Buying and Selling Outdoor Products with Josh Perrone & Allen Forkner 36:25

4M ago36:25

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talked about with Josh Perrone and Allen Forkner about buying and selling outdoor products essential to your favorite recreational pursuits. Josh is the Advocacy Relations Manager and Allen is the Brand Public Relations Manager for one of the largest online brokers of essential outdoor products. Gi…

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Season 2: Episode 20: Effects of Tariffs on Angling Equipment with Glenn Hughes 32:57

4M ago32:57

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Today on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. Glenn updates us on the potential impacts of tariffs on imported fishing gear, the upcoming ICAST trade show, and the value of partnerships.By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 19: Becoming a conservationist with Joshua Crumpton 33:14

4M ago33:14

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Today on Connecting with Conservation, we talk with Joshua Crumpton. After becoming an adult-onset conservationist, Joshua founded Spoke Hollow Outfitters near Austin, Texas. On his ranch, he teaches newcomers about locally sourced protein and how that ties in with conservation. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 18: A conservation icon sports afield magazine with editor-in-chief Diana Rupp. 33:01

4M ago33:01

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Did you know that the conservation movement in the late 1800s was largely driven by print magazines featuring outdoor-related activities? Today on Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Diana Rupp who is the Editor-in-Chief for Sports Afield magazine which was founded in 1887. Not only one of the oldest sporting magazines in the U.S., Sports A…

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Season 2: Episode 17: How The Kinetic Group TKG Supports Wildlife Conservation with Jon Zinnel 33:00

5M ago33:00

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Today we discuss conservation funding with Jon Zinnel of The Kinetic Group. TKG is one of the largest payers of federal excise tax in the U.S., all of which goes directly to funding wildlife restoration, management, hunting land acquisition, public ranges, and other wildlife-associated projects. Give it a listen!…

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Season 2: Episode 16: Traditions Muzzleloaders with Marketing Director Alison Hall 29:53

5M ago29:53

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On this episode, we speak with Alison Hall, who is the marketing director for Traditions Muzzleloaders about some of the newer ignition systems that they have pioneered and brought to market. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 15: Chasing turkeys with Christian Hogg from Fiocchi USA. 33:04

5M ago33:04

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On this episode, we talk hunting with Christian Hogg, the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi USA, one of the larger partners in conservation funding through the federal excise tax program. Today we discuss new techniques and equipment used in the pursuit of wild turkeys. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 14: Accessing and recreating on military lands with Sean Cross of iSportsman 30:16

5M ago30:16

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The military is the third largest public landowner in the U.S. but few people understand how to gain access. Learn how you can lawfully enter military properties to enjoy your favorite outdoor pursuits! Today we speak with Sean Cross, Chief Contracting Officer for iSportsman. His company is the gatekeeper to military base access by the public. Give…

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Season 2: Episode 13: Managing your wildlife using predator control with Jason Wisniewski 36:35

6M ago36:35

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On this episode, of Connecting with Conservation we visit with Jason Wisniewski, President of Furtakers of America. Jason talks about the benefits of using predator removal to complement your wildlife management activities. Jason's endeavors in the world of predators is also a family activity. Give us a listen!…

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Season 2 Episode 12 Mule Deer & Mexican Wolves with Jim Heffelfinger 35:30

6M ago35:30

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On this episode, we travel to the southwestern deserts and brush country with Jim Heffelfinger, Research Scientist for Arizona Game and Fish Department. Jim talks with us about mule deer migrations and Mexican wolf recovery. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 11: Edged Hunting Tools with CJ Buck 33:59

6M ago33:59

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On this week's episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with CJ Buck. CJ is the current CEO of a knife making company spanning 6 generations in the U.S. Join us to hear about how his company sets itself apart from the rest of the outdoor cutlery manufacturers.By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 10: National Archery in the Schools Program with Tommy Floyd 33:30

6M ago33:30

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On this episode, we visit with Dr. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program. This program was designed to teach children target archery skills in the classroom and has an unblemished safety record for over 20 years. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 9: High School Fishing Tournaments with Reece Martin 27:16

6M ago27:16

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk to Reece Martin about high school fishing tournaments and how they honed his passion for angling. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 8: Fishing on Lake Hartwell with Neil Paul. 26:39

7M ago26:39

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On today's episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Neil Paul, Executive Director of VisitAnderson.com about his novel approach to tournament angling on lake Hartwell in South Carolina. Give it a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 7: Fish & Wildlife Licensing with Chris Willard of PayIt Outdoors. 26:56

7M ago26:56

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Licensing and permit systems for state fish and wildlife agencies has come into the technology age. Gone are the days of purchasing a paper license at the local sporting goods store. ?Now it can be don from your phone or computer anywhere in the world. Learn about the added benefits of electronic licensing systems.…

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Season 2: Episode 6: Protecting your hearing with Dave Matheny, CEO of Silencer Shop 32:10

7M ago32:10

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On this episode, we visit with Dave Matheny, the CEO of Silencer Shop, to talk about keeping your hearing protected when participating in outdoor-related activities. You owe it to your ears to give this a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2 Episode 5: Safari Club International with Chris Tymeson from Safari Club International 46:15

7M ago46:15

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Today we speak with Chris Tymeson, Western State & Local Liaison for Safari Club International to learn more about the conservation efforts of their organization. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2 Episode 4: Finding the Outdoor Equipment You Need with Kevin Wilson of Davidson's Inc 33:32

7M ago33:32

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This week, we join Kevin Wilson, the Dealer Communications Manager for Davidson's Inc. to learn about some new ways to find those hard to locate outdoor items that you need. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 3: Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation with Dave Chanda 55:17

8M ago55:17

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On this episode, we talk with Dave Chanda, Executive Director for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation about the efforts that they are working with to recruit, retain, and reactivate more anglers and boaters. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 2: Alabama Wildlife Management with Chuck Sykes 40:10

8M ago40:10

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Have you ever wondered about the issues that your state wildlife agency faces when managing your wildlife? Today we talk with Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, about the usual (and unusual) business of running a state agency. Give us a listen!By jgassett

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Season 2: Episode 1: Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation with Karen Waldrop of Ducks Unlimited. 31:39

8M ago31:39

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk with the Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited, Dr. Karen Waldrop, about the importance of wetland conservation for waterfowl and many other species of wildlife. We explore the unique funding model and challenges for managing species at a continental scale. Give it a listen!…

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Episode 11: Kentucky Elk Restoration with Lou Cornicelli 45:52

8M ago45:52

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Today we talk with Lou Cornicelli of Southwick Associates about elk restoration in the Bluegrass State. When the project started in the late 1990s, Lou was the Regional Game Biologist for Northeast Utah and was the primary supplier of more than 1000 elk that we trapped and relocated to their new home in Kentucky. Give it a listen.…

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Episode 12: Recruiting New Conservationists with Jeff Rawlinson 49:59

8M ago49:59

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On this episode, we talk with Jeff Rawlinson from National Archery in the Schools Program (formerly with Nebraska Game, Fish, and Parks) about recruiting are wildlife conservationists. Give us a listen.By jgassett

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Episode 8: Recruiting Women into the Outdoors with Sam Pedder from PayIt Outdoors 26:55

9M ago26:55

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On this episode, we dive into the area of recruiting females into the hunting world. Samantha Pedder has worked in this area for a decade with a focus on getting more women in the outdoors. Give it a listen.By jgassett

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Episode 9: RCBS and Reloading with Joel Hodgdon 31:06

9M ago31:06

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On this episode, we speak with Joel Hodgdon of RCBS about learning new skills that can help you with your outdoor pursuits, while at the same time contributing funding for wildlife conservation. Give it a listen.By jgassett

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Episode 10: Talking wildlife conservation with Tom Taylor 44:43

9M ago44:43

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On this episode, we speak with Tom Taylor about his organization's contributions to wildlife conservation in the United States. As one of the larger sources of conservation funding, their story is compelling. Give it a listen.By jgassett

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Episode 6: Optics Planet with Alex Royzen 33:29

9M ago33:29

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we speak with Alex Royzen, who is the Managing Director and Head of Supply Chain Management with Optics Planet. If you have ever searched for that hard-to-find AR part in the correct color or that elusive piece of gear that you can't seem to find anywhere else, you might want to give this one a liste…

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Episode 7: Low Country Waterfowl with Dave Wielicki of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association 25:57

9M ago25:57

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation we talk with Dave Wielicki, Executive Director of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. South Carolina is somewhat of a sleeper state when it comes to ducks and geese, but the coastal region of the state contains many areas of prime waterfowl habitat. Dave talks about this as well as the efforts t…

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Episode 5: South Carolina DNR with Emily Cope 34:46

9M ago34:46

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Today we talk with Emily Cope, Deputy Director for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, about building and maintaining the industry relations is South Carolina. These excise taxes are a significant source of conservation funding that are fundamental to supporting the outstanding fish and wildlife resources found in the Palmetto State…

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Episode 4: Hunting Ammunition with Fiocchi USA and Christian Hogg 33:04

9M ago33:04

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Today we talk hunting ammunition with Christian Hogg, the Director of Marketing for Fiocchi USA. Fiocchi USA is one of the nation's largest ammunition manufacturers and importers, and as such, is one of the larger partners in conservation funding through the federal excise tax program.By jgassett

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Episode 3: Industry Outreach in Arizona with Scott Lavin 40:28

11M ago40:28

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Today we talk with Scott Lavin, the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Scott is a thought leader in building and maintaining the industry relations that are critical to the continued funding of conservation thru excise tax dollars paid on hunting, angling, and recreational shooting equipment.…

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Episode 2: Connecting with Conservation: Excise Taxes on Hunting & Angling Equipment with Mitch King 24:40

11M ago24:40

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On this episode of Connecting with Conservation, our hosts talk with Mitch King about the excise taxes on hunting, shooting, and angling equipment that are foundational to almost all fish and wildlife management activities. Mitch brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience as the first Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service i…

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Episode 1: Welcome to Connecting with Conservation 32:27

11M ago32:27

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Do you enjoy angling, boating, hunting, recreational shooting or just getting outdoors and into the backcountry? Connecting with Conservation is the only podcast that delves into the business of conservation. We talk with state wildlife agency and industry experts about how conservation is achieved in the United States along with the tremendous imp…

Jgassett Podcasts