What happens when wildlife policy is driven by politics instead of science?

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates joins the Wild Sheep Foundation's Sheep Fever Podcast for one of the most important conversations happening in conservation today.

From Colorado's proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish amendment to Oregon's sweeping IP28 initiative, this episode exposes how organized animal-rights campaigns are reshaping wildlife policy across North America—and why sportsmen, conservationists, ranchers, anglers, and anyone who values science-based wildlife management should be paying attention.

Dan explains how Colorado has become ground zero for ballot-box biology, politically appointed wildlife commissions, predator management controversies, trapping restrictions, wolf reintroduction, and coordinated efforts to replace decades of professional wildlife science with ideology.

More importantly, he explains what can be done to protect the future of hunting, fishing, conservation funding, and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation before similar efforts spread to additional states.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring conservation, wildlife policy, hunting, fishing, and the future of the North American Model.

SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADO

Sign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.org

Donate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us

Learn more: savethehuntcolorado.com

Follow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado

Follow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m

00:00 Introduction: Why Colorado Is Ground Zero for Wildlife Politics

02:42 Meet Dan Gates & The Conservation Fight

06:15 The Growing Animal Rights Movement Across America

10:48 Oregon's IP28 Explained

15:30 How Activists Test Messaging Before Ballot Measures

19:40 Why Colorado Became the Blueprint

24:15 The Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish

30:18 Why This Amendment Matters

35:55 Science vs Politics in Wildlife Management

41:20 Ballot Box Biology Explained

46:50 The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

51:35 Why Hunting & Fishing Fund Conservation

57:42 What the Amendment Actually Does

1:03:12 Does It Change Hunting Regulations?

1:08:15 Colorado's History of Ballot Initiatives

1:14:02 Why Wildlife Commissions Matter

1:19:40 Political Appointments vs Wildlife Science

1:25:12 The Fur Ban Controversy

1:30:45 Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission

1:37:10 The Cost of Political Wildlife Management

1:42:55 Wolves, Predators & Wildlife Policy

1:49:20 Why Science Must Lead Wildlife Decisions

1:54:48 Conservation Funding Challenges

2:00:15 Who Should Pay for Wildlife?

2:05:50 Public Education Is the Missing Piece

2:11:30 Why Hunters Must Tell Their Story Better

2:17:42 Conservation Beyond Hunters

2:23:08 Creating a National Conservation Message

2:29:10 Building the Future of Hunting Advocacy

2:34:15 Protecting Wildlife for Future Generations

2:38:40 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Is Colorado's wildlife policy being guided by science—or by ideology?

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates takes an in-depth look at Governor Jared Polis' latest appointment to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission: Dr. Rebecca Niemiec.

Dan examines Dr. Niemiec's published research, public statements, academic work, and professional affiliations, arguing they reveal a consistent philosophy that challenges the traditional role of wildlife biologists in wildlife policy and management. The discussion explores her work surrounding "Ballot Box Biology," predator coexistence, animal policy, and what Dan contends is a growing movement to shift wildlife decision-making away from science-based management and toward values-driven public campaigns.

This episode also revisits what Dan calls the growing "web" connecting political appointments, academia, predator advocacy, and animal-rights organizations influencing wildlife policy in Colorado.

Topics include:

• Dr. Rebecca Niemiec's appointment to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission
• Her published work on "Ballot Box Biology"
• The debate over who should shape wildlife policy—wildlife biologists or broader public values
• Wolf management and predator coexistence
• Wildlife for All and the broader animal advocacy movement
• Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission appointments
• Science-based wildlife management
• The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
• Why Dan believes Colorado has become the national epicenter of wildlife policy battles
• How the Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish initiative fits into the broader strategy to protect hunting and fishing opportunities

This episode examines one of the most consequential wildlife appointments in Colorado's recent history and what it could mean for hunters, anglers, ranchers, wildlife professionals, and everyone invested in the future of wildlife conservation.

SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADO

Sign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.org

Donate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us

Learn more: savethehuntcolorado.com

Follow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado

Follow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m

00:00 – Introduction: The Web Grows
03:15 – Why This Appointment Matters
08:10 – Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission Update
13:45 – Who Is Dr. Rebecca Niemiec?
22:30 – Academic Research & Ballot Box Biology
34:10 – Predator Advocacy & Human Carnivore Coexistence
46:20 – Wildlife for All and Related Advocacy Networks
57:30 – Should Wildlife Biologists Drive Wildlife Policy?
1:10:20 – Science-Based Wildlife Management vs. Values-Based Campaigns
1:22:45 – The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission's Direction
1:33:50 – Why Colorado Is the National Battleground
1:41:40 – The Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish
1:47:30 – How You Can Get Involved

What happens when a wildlife scientist, filmmaker, conservationist, and hunter decides to change the narrative around hunting?

In this episode of Through the Gates, Daniel Gates sits down with Dr. Robbie Kroger, founder of the Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins), to discuss the power of storytelling in conservation, the future of hunting advocacy, wildlife documentaries, global conservation projects, Colorado wildlife politics, Oregon's controversial IP 28 initiative, and why hunters must become better ambassadors for wildlife conservation.

Robbie shares his journey from South Africa to earning a PhD in wetland ecology, working as a professor and scientist, and ultimately launching one of the most influential storytelling platforms in the hunting and conservation world. From lion conservation and elephant documentaries to wolves in Colorado, rhino projects in Africa, New Zealand's Tahr controversy, and the growing battle over wildlife policy, this conversation explores how stories can shape the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation worldwide.

If you care about hunting, conservation, wildlife management, public lands, science-based policy, and protecting the future of our outdoor heritage, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Topics Include:

• Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins)
• Robbie Kroger's conservation journey
• Hunting and conservation storytelling
• Colorado wolf management
• LionHeart documentary
• Global wildlife conservation projects
• Rhino, elephant, cheetah, and wolf conservation
• New Zealand Tahr controversy
• Oregon IP 28 initiative
• Hunting advocacy and public perception
• Wildlife policy and ballot initiatives
• The future of conservation media

SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADO
Sign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.org
Donate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us
Learn more: savethehuntcolorado.com
Follow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcolorado
Follow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m

Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode to help spread the conservation message.

What happens when wildlife policy is driven by emotion instead of science?

In this episode of Through the Gates, Daniel Gates sits down with filmmaker, conservation advocate, and Shepherds of Wildlife Society founder Tom Opre for an in-depth conversation about hunting, conservation, ballot initiatives, predator management, wolves, trapping, rural communities, wildlife policy, and the growing disconnect between urban society and the natural world.

Tom shares stories from decades of global travel and filmmaking, including work in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, while discussing how sustainable use conservation, hunting, trapping, and wildlife management have shaped modern conservation success.

The conversation dives deep into:

• Colorado wolf reintroduction • Ballot box biology and anti-hunting initiatives • Predator management and trapping • Conservation vs preservation • Rural communities and wildlife stewardship • The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation • Trophy hunting misconceptions • Sustainable use conservation in Africa • Rewilding movements • Wildlife economics and habitat management • Human-wildlife conflict • Public land pressure and outdoor recreation • The future of hunting, fishing, and trapping rights

Tom Opre also explains how storytelling, documentaries, and public education are shaping the future of wildlife conservation and why hunters, anglers, ranchers, and rural communities are essential to protecting habitat and wildlife populations.

If you care about wildlife conservation, public lands, hunting rights, predator management, trapping, elk, mule deer, wolves, mountain lions, grizzly bears, habitat restoration, rural America, or the future of science-based wildlife management, this episode is a must-watch.

Subscribe to Through the Gates for more long-form conversations about hunting, wildlife policy, conservation, predator management, trapping, public lands, and the fight to protect the future of wildlife management.

#hunting #conservation #wildlife #wolves #trapping #publiclands #predatormanagement #wolfreintroduction #wildlifemanagement #huntingpodcast #mountainlion #elkhunting #muledeer #ranching #ruralamerica #sportsmen #northamericanmodel #conservationpodcast #throughthestgates #savehunt

In this special election edition of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with Colorado gubernatorial candidates Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx for two in-depth conversations about the future of the Centennial State.

From wildlife conservation and hunting heritage to public safety, energy, education, agriculture, water policy, the wolf introduction debate, Second Amendment rights, and government accountability, both candidates share their vision for restoring confidence in Colorado's leadership and charting a path forward.

This episode goes far beyond campaign talking points. Dan challenges both candidates on the issues that matter most to sportsmen, ranchers, conservationists, small business owners, and families who believe Colorado has drifted away from the values that once made it one of America's most desirable places to live, work, hunt, fish, and raise a family.

Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer discusses her plans for government reform, regulatory relief, science-based wildlife management, wolf policy, transportation, education, and restoring accountability in state government.

Victor Marx shares his outsider perspective on leadership, public safety, constitutional rights, conservation issues, educating voters, and his vision for bringing Colorado back to the people.

Whether you're a hunter, angler, rancher, conservationist, business owner, or simply concerned about Colorado's future, this conversation provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from two candidates seeking to lead the state through its next chapter.

The question is simple: How do we reclaim Colorado?

Colorado may be on the verge of making history.

In Episode 102 of Through the Gates, Dan Gates joins renowned public lands advocate Randy Newberg to discuss Colorado's push for a Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish. After years of fighting ballot initiatives, legislative attacks, controversial wildlife commission appointments, wolf reintroduction, fur bans, and Proposition 127, conservation advocates are now shifting from defense to offense.

Dan and Randy break down Initiative 302, the signature-gathering effort that could make Colorado the 25th state in America to constitutionally protect hunting, fishing, and science-based wildlife management. They explain why this effort matters not just for Colorado, but for hunters, anglers, conservationists, and wildlife managers across the country. The conversation covers the future of wildlife policy, ballot-box biology, sportsmen's advocacy, fundraising, coalition building, and what it will take to protect hunting opportunities for future generations.

Whether you're a Colorado resident, a nonresident hunter, or simply someone who supports the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, this episode provides an inside look at one of the most important conservation battles happening today.

In this episode of Through the Gates, we're doin a joint released episode with Cliff Gray of "Pursuit with Cliff" to break down Colorado’s proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish initiative and why many hunters, anglers, outfitters, ranchers, and conservationists believe it could become one of the most important wildlife policy battles in the country.

They discuss:

• Initiative 302 and the proposed constitutional amendment
• The future of hunting and fishing rights in Colorado
• “Ballot box biology” and anti-hunting activism
• The role of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission
• Mountain lion hunting bans, fur bans, wolf politics, and predator management
• Science-based wildlife management vs emotional policymaking
• How commissions and political appointments impact conservation
• Why sportsmen and women are mobilizing across Colorado

Dan also explains how organizations like the International Order of T. Roosevelt and SCI Colorado are working to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and preserve hunting opportunities for future generations.

If you care about hunting rights, wildlife conservation, elk hunting, predator management, public lands, or the future of science-based wildlife policy, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Colorado is the next major battleground in the fight for the future of hunting and fishing in America.

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management joins Robbie Denning from Rokcast to break down the push for a Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish in Colorado — and why the outcome could impact hunters, anglers, ranchers, and wildlife management nationwide.

They dive deep into:

• The growing anti-hunting movement in Colorado
• Proposition 127 and the fight over mountain lion & bobcat hunting
• Wolves, rewilding, and political agendas
• Why Colorado is viewed as the “epicenter” for anti-hunting activists
• How constitutional protections work
• What sportsmen and women can do RIGHT NOW
• Massive elk and Alaska fishing raffles supporting the fight to Save the Hunt

If you care about the future of hunting, fishing, conservation, public access, wildlife management, or the North American Model of Conservation — this episode matters.