Your Mountain
Your Mountain
David Willms, Mike McGrady and Nephi Cole
Join David Willms, Mike McGrady, Nephi Cole, and entertaining guests each week as they use humor, storytelling, and more than 40 years of collective experience in law, science, and policy to explain important decisions affecting your outdoor experience. As the guys frequently say, "There are millions of acres of opportunity out there. They belong to you. Every day, decisions are being made that affect your land, your water, and your wildlife. You should know about them. This is Your Mountain." http://www.itsyourmountain.com/
Land for Sale in the Tetons and Challenging a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin
In an episode recorded a month ago, but only released today because Dave dropped the ball on doing his part to keep this podcast going, the guys discuss a controversial state land disposal proposal near Grand Teton National Park and a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the constitutionality of Wisconsin's hunter harassment law. Other topics include: Nephi possessing the rifle that gave Steven Rinella trichinosis, a first elk story, and Dave shamelessly plugs a recently published book that includes a chapter he wrote. It's available everywhere...that sells books about the Endangered Species Act. Take a listen, and we'll record more! 
Jan 12
1 hr 25 min
Wolves, Mountain Lions, MapWaters Act, and Elk Hunting
Hunting season is well underway, which means the guys aren't recording much, and when they do they take weeks to publish. However, they found time to sit down and talk about some current events that hunters and anglers should care about. They discuss: collaboration in SW Wyoming on land use planning; wolf reintroduction; ballot box biology strikes again in Colorado to try to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting; and the MapWater Act. They also recount their elk hunting experience this fall. Spoiler alert: only one of them punched their tag, and it wasn't Nephi. 
Nov 17, 2023
1 hr 8 min
Having a Voice in Federal Land Management Planning
The guys sit down with Josh Coursey, CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and host of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, to discuss a controversial Resource Management Plan (RMP) in Southwest Wyoming. They correct misinformation about the draft RMP,  speak to the importance of local collaboratives, explain how the Bureau of Land Management could have more effectively rolled out the draft, and dive deeply into the importance of participating in the planning process. Then, Josh shares his Mountain. Whether you are from Wyoming, or enjoy public lands elsewhere in the country, this episode gives you some important tips on how to make your voice heard. 
Oct 10, 2023
1 hr 16 min
Wildlife Conservation with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International
Chris Tymeson earns his gold jacket by joining the guys for the fifth time--this time representing Safari Club International (SCI). They discuss the history of SCI, and the type of legal and governmental affairs work SCI does on behalf of hunters around the country and world. In a Your Mountain first, Chris also arbitrates a series of disputes between Dave and Nephi. They also share a tribute to a giant of conservation, the late Miles Moretti. Tune in!
Oct 3, 2023
1 hr 14 min
The Summer Conservation Rundown
Dave and Nephi are back after taking a podcasing summer break. In this episode, the guys run down some of the biggest conservation stories that took place while they were climbing peaks, fishing, and entering shooting competitions. Topics include: a new national monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Evnironmental Protection Agency and waters of the US, National Public Lands Day, National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Dave tries to ruin Nephi's elk hunt before it even starts.   
Sep 19, 2023
54 min
New Oil and Gas Leasing Rules from BLM
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. 
Jul 28, 2023
1 hr 31 min
Support for Hunting in the United States Declines
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.  
Jul 21, 2023
1 hr 19 min
SCOTUS defines Waters of the United States
Jonathan Wood from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) joins the guys to discuss a landmark SCOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, which defines "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act.  They break down the decision and explain what it means for states, landowners, hunters, and others. Johathan also shares his Mountain. Don't miss this episode--it certainly isn't dry.  
Jun 14, 2023
1 hr 37 min
The Corner Crossing Decision
In a long anticipated decision, a Federal judge recently found that four hunters did not commit a civil trespass when corner crossing in Wyoming's checkerboard lands. Great news for those four hunters, but what about the rest of us? Is corner crossing now legal? The guys break down the decision and explain what it might mean for you as you plan your public land hunt this fall. Spoiler: the decision doesn't go as far as you might think.
Jun 1, 2023
1 hr 23 min
The Bureau of Land Management's Proposed Conservation Rule
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule that would allow companies, individuals, and NGOs to lease lands for restoration. They also propose to elevate conservation as a multiple use on par with other land uses. This proposal has generated some controversy. Dave and Nephi assign themselves different perspectives and discuss. 
May 26, 2023
1 hr 24 min
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