Show notes
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 COLORADOSign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.orgDonate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-usLearn more: savethehuntcolorado.comFollow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcoloradoFollow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.m00:00 Introduction: Why Colorado Is Ground Zero for Wildlife Politics02:42 Meet Dan Gates & The Conservation Fight06:15 The Growing Animal Rights Movement Across America10:48 Oregon's IP28 Explained15:30 How Activists Test Messaging Before Ballot Measures19:40 Why Colorado Became the Blueprint24:15 The Constitutional Right to Hunt & Fish30:18 Why This Amendment Matters35:55 Science vs Politics in Wildlife Management41:20 Ballot Box Biology Explained46:50 The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation51:35 Why Hunting & Fishing Fund Conservation57:42 What the Amendment Actually Does1:03:12 Does It Change Hunting Regulations?1:08:15 Colorado's History of Ballot Initiatives1:14:02 Why Wildlife Commissions Matter1:19:40 Political Appointments vs Wildlife Science1:25:12 The Fur Ban Controversy1:30:45 Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission1:37:10 The Cost of Political Wildlife Management1:42:55 Wolves, Predators & Wildlife Policy1:49:20 Why Science Must Lead Wildlife Decisions1:54:48 Conservation Funding Challenges2:00:15 Who Should Pay for Wildlife?2:05:50 Public Education Is the Missing Piece2:11:30 Why Hunters Must Tell Their Story Better2:17:42 Conservation Beyond Hunters2:23:08 Creating a National Conservation Message2:29:10 Building the Future of Hunting Advocacy2:34:15 Protecting Wildlife for Future Generations2:38:40 Final Thoughts & Call to Action