A Conversation with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers CEO Ryan "Cal" Callaghan

The guys recorded this episode about 12 hours before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was set to consider an amendment to a potentially bipartisan bill from Sen. Mike Lee that would invalidate the 2001 Roadless Rule. Dave and Nephi discuss the implications (spoiler: the sky isn't falling, but it's not a great look). They also chat about a proposal to repeal the blanket 4(d) Rule (a wonky discussion that nearly put Nephi to sleep). They also share some stories from the trenches from their days working for former Wyoming Governor, Matt Mead. Reminder: new email address. If you want to reach the team, use [email protected].

An effort to end hunting and fishing in Oregon is one step closer to making the ballot--the guys discuss. They also talk about the new Executive Order regarding travel management on public lands, proposed grazing regulation revisions on BLM lands, and the new Hunt/Fish Rule opening up more hunting opportunities on refuge lands across the country. And, they share the best new way to get ahold of them via their new email address: [email protected]

An effort to end hunting and fishing in Oregon is one step closer to making the ballot--the guys discuss. They also talk about the new Executive Order regarding travel management on public lands, proposed grazing regulation revisions on BLM lands, and the new Hunt/Fish Rule opening up more hunting opportunities on refuge lands across the country. And, they share the best new way to get ahold of them via their new email address: [email protected]

In a bleary eyed, late night recording, the guys talk about recent changes to what firearms can be used when turkey hunting in Wyoming that go into effect next spring. They also talk about conservation provisions in a Farm Bill that recently passed the US House. Other topics include: odds of the Farm Bill passing the Senate, risks of appropriating money without personnel to deliver it to projects on the ground, the recent withdrawal of controversial wildlife commission nominees in Colorado, and more. We also have a new email address. Be the first to send us an email at: [email protected]

Dave and Nephi sit down with the new President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Ryan "Cal" Callaghan. In this wide ranging discussion taking place in Nephi's hotel room, the guys talk about the role of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) and its broad mission conserving and defending public lands. They also dive into topics such as accountability and advocacy, technology and fair chase, ballot initiatives and public opinion, conservation and stewardship, and membership organizations and community. Ryan also shares his Mountain. You won't want to miss this one.

Dave and Nephi cover a series of current events in this episode. Topics include: (1) the recent decision to convene the "God Squad"; (2) what the "God Squad" is under the Endangered Species Act, and its history; (3) the Greyhound Protection Act, and what it meant for bird hunters; (4) the recent decision to overturn a mineral withdrawal near the Boundary Waters; (5) a soapbox/diatribe/frustration about our win-at-all-costs political environment; and more.

Dave and Nephi discuss: Idaho's technology in hunting regulations and the current legislative action on them; ethics around different types of technology in hunting; a lawsuit challenging the Ambler Road project in Alaska; whether certain conservation topics are big issues or not; the retirement of Sen. Daines and Rep. Zinke in MT; and more. Don't forget, you can watch us on YouTube now!

In their first ever video podcast (visit the Your Mountain YouTube channel), Dave and Nephi dive into state actions around conservation. Topics include: Oregon's new 1.25% lodging tax for wildlife; How other states fund wildlife management; why we should stop saying "consumptive user" and "non-consumptive user"; Colorado moving forward with banning the sale of fur; Idaho debating prohibiting certain technology in hunting (we got the status of this one wrong, so feel free to fast forward and listen to a deeper, and more accurate dive in our next episode); and more.

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.

The US Senate is considering a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would cancel a 20 year mineral withdrawal in the Boundary Waters region of Northern Minnesota. Passing the resolution would remove one of the barriers to the development of a massive copper sulfide mine in the region. Dave and Nephi discuss. Also, the guys discuss a ballot initiative in Oregon that would criminalize hunting, fishing, ranching, and more.