Hunting Ain't Easy

Jaksot

• 
  Big (good) changes in California - Bear, Deer, Elk, Wolves and More 15.04.2025 46min

  Hey there... there's so much coming at us in California, and a lot of it is GOOD.  SHARE this podcast with your community - LET'S LEAD.  First: Please SHARE the podcast so everyone is updated, informed and ready to act.  Show notes: many links below that need your action, attention and advocacy.  FGC Meeting Agenda 4/16: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=229367&inline FGC Meeting Documents 4/16: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=229385&inline HOWL Community Call 4/28 - Let's get organized for bear regs updates. RSVP here. https://www.howlforwildlife.org/california_community_call_wildlife_resource_committee_planning  AB 1038 & SB 818 - Bear & Lion legislation, and how to enter your support through the CA Legislative Portal (video directions) https://youtu.be/xtFcqZfKOQc?si=nxG3DJXHBkq4jQc-  HOWL Action on AB 1038: send your email here!  https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cabearab1038  HOWL Action on SB 818: send your email here! https://www.howlforwildlife.org/calion-sb818  HOWL Letter regarding Wolf Mgmt Plan: add your name to the HOWL letter! https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cawolfplan  *** #california #hunting #elk #bear #blackbear #coyote #bearhunting #deer #muledeer #deerhunting #californiahunting #waterfowl #wildlife #conservation #antelope #elkhunting #howlforwildlife     
• 
  Leading the Call for Wolf Mgmt Plan Updates 24.03.2025 50min

  Complaining isn't working, but advocacy will. It's time to lead... It is time to call upon the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife, and the Fish & Game Commission to refresh the 10-year old Wolf Mgmt. Plan, establish a practical and sustainable roadmap to delisting and long-term management of wolves. It is time to identify the risks that subsidized wolves present to human communities, the economy of California and all taxpayers, and to ecosystems wherever wolves live. It is time for the CDFW to present a realistic report on the health of our mule deer, elk and antelope herds in CA, and how do those herds support 3 unmanaged apex predators sustainably?  https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cawolfplan HOWL with us. HOWL as one. When we HOWL - our voices are amplified, our message is heard and we can be effective. When we HOWL we can lead dialogue and create positive outcomes that value entire ecosystems, human communities, and wildlife. Sign on to the HOWL letter today. Take Action here --> https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  Sign on to the HOWL letter today. Take Action. Call upon the Commission and CDFW to proactively lead California out of this crisis. https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cawolfplan  *** #greywolf #wolf #wolves #california #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #conservation #ecosystems #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #elk #muledeer #tuleelk #antelope #hunting #sustainability #wildharvest #californiahunting #howlforwildlife 
• 
  What world are we in??? Progress with Calif. Bear Legislation, use of hounds! 11.03.2025 24min

  AB1038 brings hounds back to the bear woods in CA, and it gives the Commission and Dept the tools needed for effective black bear management, increased harvest where warranted and more effective conflict reduction.  This is a nationwide call to action - because a win in California is a win for everyone! Time to step in and help here... this will be a long campaign where we are approaching the 2nd gate, of about 7 if we are to take this all the way.  Every inch of progress is a win, and gets us closer to the next steps for improved wildlife management in California.  Take Action: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cabearab1038  Join the HOWL Pack: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/memberships  Share this BLOG about bears. https://www.howlforwildlife.org/why_california_needs_better_bear_management   #bearhunting #blackbear #wildlifemanagement #conservation #californiahunting #blacktaildeer #muledeer #elk #rockymountainelk #bears #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #ecosystems #sustainable #wildharvest #hunting #deerhunting #elkhunting #predatormanagement #predators 
• 
  Headwaters Retreat - X6A Zone Habitat Project Update 08.03.2025 59min

  Get involved and help us WIN - let's bring back the use of HOUNDS - for bears, support AB 1038 - for mountain lions, support SB 818  ** Headwaters Retreat - follow along and let me know if you want to reserve some time at the camp!  AirBnb Link: http://airbnb.com/h/headwaters-retreat Headwaters Retreat - Facebook  Headwaters Retreat - Instagram  
• 
  Ep 54: F&G Commission is considering coyote regulations, and what you can do? 02.02.2025 1t 8min

  Welcome to Hunting Ain't Easy... listen, share & take action here! . https://www.howlforwildlife.org/cacoyote  The backstory on this issue is shared via Chriss Bowles (California Bowmen Hunters) and Charles & Mike (HOWL). Bottom line is that bad optics and complete lack of context has some folks at the F&G Commission thinking that coyote (nongame species) need special regulations developed for hunting.  Whooaaaaa nooooo they do not. Not when we have limited resources, limited time, limited staff and there's huge pressing issues such as bear, deer, elk, bobcat and wolf management plan updates!  Mad thanks to the Bowmen Hunters in California. They're involved at the front lines right alongside HOWL for Wildlife!  Even if you're not in California you can HELP us get in front of this issue. We need to stop it, right in its tracks... there's other work to do.  Take Action. Share the podcast and the Action to your community. Advocacy works, and your voice is needed.  HOWL Pack Membership  California Bowmen Hunters - check them out HOWL Action Center  *** #coyote #hunting #california #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #ranching #livestock #depredation #predatorcontrol #coyotehunting #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #wildlife #advocacy #howlforwildlife #woolgrowers #cattle #sheep #californiacattle #lamb 
• 
  Jan 28th Virtual Townhall: Wolves & Lessons for California 14.01.2025 4min

  Join HOWL for this Virtual Townhall Event: Wolves, Lessons for California  HOWL for Wildlife welcomes Justin Webb (Executive Director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management) and Jessi Johnson (Government Affairs Director, Wyoming Wildlife Federation.) Wolves are on the cusp of exponential population growth in California. The known wolf population nearly doubled in California in 2024 and is now reaching past 70 animals, with 9 packs acknowledged and several additional "areas of wolf activity" identified. California could trend towards 300+ wolves in CA by 2027. Wolf numbers may grow faster than management practices and policies can evolve, and a wildlife and ecosystem crisis could be the result.  This Townhall will be a forum to learn from experts who know their way around wolf issues - including policy and practices of management. This is the beginning of several deep dives into one of the most contentious and complex wildlife issues we have in California, and really throughout North America.  Our goal at HOWL is to build deeper education into this topic, and broaden support for successful adaptive management which supports both wild and human ecosystems. The wolf management plans for California are nearly 10 years old and need to be updated. Wolf numbers may soon warrant a delisting from "endangered status", or at least down-listing in California. Plan updates and ESA/CESA changes will surely take 1-2 years to complete, during which time the wolf population in CA could grow 3-5x from current numbers. The time to start discussions that lead to plan updates is now.  After RSVP you'll receive an email with an link to the HOWL membership page and to the CDFW Gray Wolf information page. This is a members only event, please join HOWL for Wildlife.   We look forward to sharing this conversation with you, and look forward to working as a community for the success of wild ecosystems! ** #wolves #wolf #graywolf #hunting #california #conservation #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifemanagement #livestock #ranching #elkhunting #bearhunting #muledeer #deerhunting #howl #howlpack #wolfpack #howlforwildlife #colorado #oregon #washington 
• 
  Ep 52: Wolves in California - with California Wolf Watch 06.01.2025 1t 36min

  Join HOWL's Jan 28th "Wolf Lessons Learned" Townhall featuring Justin Webb (Foundation for Wildlife Mgmt) and Jess Johnson (Wyoming Wildlife Federation)....  MEMBERS ONLY so join today!  Wolves are here, and they're not going away. Planting flags of extreme support, or extreme opposition, only guarantees a long fight, unresolved conflict, and more work for lawyers.  So... how do we bring stakeholders together to build effective, sustainable and adaptive mechanisms which can drive success for everyone?? We need to start talking, working together, finding shared goals and building towards those objectives.  Is California on the way to an ecosystem crisis, with more wolves than native and wild habitat can support?  Does the 9-10 year old Wolf Mgmt Plan need an update, before we are in crisis mode?  Listen in to this first of several discussions about the complex and too-often, too-emotional topic of wolves.  John Marchwick (California Wolf Watch) and I have a productive discussion, minus the hyperbole and hysterics.  HOWL For Wildlife - JOIN California Wolf Watch - Facebook  CDFW / California Dept of Fish & Wildlife - Wolf Mgmt.  HOWL for Wildlife - Instagram  ** #California #wolves #wolf #whaleback #hunting #wildlife #conservation #endangeredspeciesact #wolfrecovery #wildlifemanagement #predator #predatormanagement #wildlifeconservation #elk #muledeer #howlforwildlife   
• 
  Ep 51: Malcolm Brooks "A mountain lion attacked my nephews..." 02.01.2025 1t 20min

  Please... Listen and Share  Malcolm Brooks is the uncle of Taylen and Wyatt Brooks, the young men who were enjoying a day of shed hunting, scouting and outdoors recreation when they were attacked by a mountain lion. Malcolm shares the story of the attack, and wildlife management policies gone wrong here in California, in a newly published New York Times Magazine article (Jan 2025).  NYT Magazine Article Malcolm Brooks - Substack HOWL for Wildlife - Join the Pack  ** #mountainlion #predators #hunting #california #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #predatorhunting #wildlifemanagement #predatormanagement #coexist #livingwithlions #mountainlionfoundation #cdfw #fishandwildlife #advocacy #malcolmbrooks #colorado #antihunting 
• 
  Rally & Support! CDFW Bringing New Hunts, More Tags 06.12.2024 49min

  Use these links to follow along:  - WATERFOWL Recommendations - BIG GAME Hunt Recommendations - Email Support and feedback by end of day 12/9: [email protected] - HOWL for Wildlife... JOIN THE PACK!  - Message me on IG for Q&A - HuntingAintEasy  Quick summary... CDFW is bringing regulations update package for Commission review and discussion (and decision!). It all adds up to more hunting opportunity, science-based wildlife mgmt decisions. Let's rally some support for this work, while we lean into the other hot topics that are coming up in 2025.   
• 
  CWD "Emergency Regulations!" in California 18.06.2024 26min

  This conversation is in regards to the 6/19 Commission meeting.  Join the meeting via ZOOM if you can... hunters' voices are NEEDED in this forum.  Short notice but dig in and listen if you can. The Commission is proposing "Emergency Regulations" in response to 2 detections of CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in CA.  I want the Commission and Dept. to treat other known and pre-existing "existential threats" to deer herd success with equal response. Where is the concern for deer herds being decimated by unmanaged apex predators statewide?   And IF this is a crisis... why are we only focusing on the few zones where we know CWD exists? What about the rest of the state?  Finally, the Dept is proposing "mandatory testing" without any indication of penalty for non-compliance and without significant resources in place to support the hunter sample turn-ins.  The dept is not ready to execute a good plan, and the Commission should be taking a higher level view of overall deer herd health, success and start implementing policy across the entire ecosystem.  CWD Proposal Document  Commission Meeting Agenda for 6/19  w/Zoom link Complete set of Meeting Documents   
• 
  Call To Action: Calif. Bear Conservation Plan COMMENTS 11.06.2024 27min

  This is an opportunity to proactively influence a management plan document that will impact bear hunting and ecosystem management for the next 10+ years!  The Calif. Dept of Fish & Wildlife has provided a (draft) 2024 Black Bear Conservation Plan for public review and input.  Here at HOWL we have developed no less than 78 comments, questions and recommendations for this plan.  In this episode of @huntingainteasy I break down the core issues related to the Black Bear Conservation Plan and call upon you for fast-action to add your voice, add your HOWL so that the CDFW knows how passionate our community is about Black Bear Conservation and the use of hunting as tool which benefits bears, ungulates and humans!  Listen. Share. Take ACTION at www.howlforwildlife.org  starting Wednesday 6/12!  Resources and links:  HOWL @ IG HOWL for Wildlife website  CDFW Black Bear Conservation Plan  ** #california #bearhunting #blackbear #conservation #predatorhunting #predatormanagement #bearconservation #wildlifemanagement #deerhunting #elkhunting #muledeer #blacktaildeer #bear 
• 
  Ep 47 California Marine "Hunting & Angling" - proposed closures, need for hunting community to rally! 11.03.2024 44min

  Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity.  Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to become informed, and rally to support angling opportunity when it is arbitrarily threatened.  Please listen in follow the below links and and help us take action... **We need to stop these MPA expansions and closures in order to maintain angling access and opportunity in our coastal waters**  - Email the Calif. F&G Commission: [email protected]  - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif. - Action Item - AllWaters.org - online - AllWaters.org - Instagram - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif - IG  - HOWL for Wildlife - Action Center  #marine #angling #spearfishing #california #fishing #offshorefishing #surfing #sportfishing #surffishing #hunting #advocacy #backcountryhunters #bha #allwaters #howlforwildlife        
• 
  Ep 46 Calif. Coastal "hunting" threatened - AllWaters.org needs support 11.03.2024 29min

  Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity.  Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to become informed, and rally to support angling opportunity when it is arbitrarily threatened.  Please listen in follow the below links and and help us take action... **We need to stop these MPA expansions and closures in order to maintain angling access and opportunity in our coastal waters**  - Email the Calif. F&G Commission: [email protected]  - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif. - Action Item - AllWaters.org - online - AllWaters.org - Instagram - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Calif - IG  - HOWL for Wildlife - Action Center  #marine #angling #spearfishing #california #fishing #offshorefishing #surfing #sportfishing #surffishing #hunting #advocacy #backcountryhunters #bha #allwaters  
• 
  Ep. 45: Howlcast Update Feb 2024 ~ Colorado attacks hunting AGAIN, Washington is a hot mess and more! 08.02.2024 1t 24min

  In our first syndicated HOWLCAST Update of 2024 we focus on two of the hotspots that need nationwide attention and support from the hunting and outdoors community: Washington State and Colorado. Because the anti-hunting industry uses their nationwide fundraising, legal and political power to attack at the local and state level, it has become crystal clear that hunters, anglers and supporters of true wildlife conservation need to rally together. The threats that face WA and CO this year can and will surface in dozens of other states - either by forcing changes to predator management, methods of take, taking away trapping or removing your ability to hunt/trail/track/retrieve game with sporting dogs & hounds.    HOWLCAST and HOWL For Wildlife is a resource for our community. In line with the conversation in this Feb. 2024 update, please follow and share the following online resources and social media:    HOWL for Wildlife - join and take action with us.   Save The Hunt Colorado - follow, share and donate today.  Howl - on Instagram Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt - on Instagram    ** Looking for a GREAT 4-season adventure cabin in the Sierra Nevada?  Check out "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland". Both of these dog-friendly cabins offer year-round access and are within minutes of some excellent deer and bear hunting habitat.  Bring the family and enjoy some mountain time, or use the cabins for base-camping while you're chasing critters during the day.    #Colorado #Washington #trophyhunting #wolves #mountainlion #California #hunting #elk #elkhunting #deerhunting #muledeer #bear #bearhunting #blackbear #advocacy #wildlife #conservation 
• 
  Ep 44: Where do our TAG $$$ go??? Plus - deer & bear mgmt. plans on the horizon. 27.01.2024 57min

  "The steal our tag funds and squander them away on BS that does nothing for wildlife!!!!"  This is THE rant we hear too often... but is it true?  Listen in on this episode where Mike talks with the #1 expert on big game hunting regulatory process and topics in Calif. He's a hunter and has been working as a lobbyist to represent hunters and conservation groups in Calif. for many years. Listen in and tell me what you think.  ALSO: coming up in 2024 and 2025... expect new bear and deer mgmt plans. These are going to be EPIC projects that will certainly spur some big debate, but should advance wildlife management AND balance opportunity with sustainable populations of the critters we love.  Resources:  Hunting Ain't Easy - like, follow & share!  HOWL for Wildlife - join, take action and win for hunting and wildlife conservation!  CDFW - Big Game Mgmt Account  CDFW - SHARE program  California Fish & Game Commission Calendar - get involved!  Cabins in the woods... "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland"    #california #wildlife #conservation #hunting #deerhunting #bearhunting #citizenadvocacy #blackbear #muledeer #elkhunting #blacktaildeer #californiahunting #howl #howlforwildlife   
• 
  Ep 43: ”Headwaters Retreat” X-Zone habitat project...for muleys and more? 21.12.2023 33min

  Habitat matters.  Nothing else matters about wildlife populations and management if the underlying habitat isn't robust and healthy.  On the bet that enhancing and restoring the forest and riparian areas of a chunk of burned land can add value and improve things for mule deer and other critters, I just bought myself a habitat project!  Listen in and follow along... as this multi-year project is just getting started!  "Plumas Headwaters Retreat" on IG HOWL for Wildlife online  Camp Leland - Tiny Cabin for Big Adventures @ 6300'  2 Dog Lodge - Camp Connell @ 5000'    #conservation #habitat #dixiefire #timberstandimprovement #riparianhabitat #fireremediation #muledeer 
• 
  Ep 42: Don’t call them animal rights activists. Winning the non-hunter mind. Consumptive or not, we love critters. 15.12.2023 37min

  The attacks from a global anti-hunting (anti-human) industry are ever present. They have incrementally shifted minds and hearts by defining words while our community was not looking. Now we must enter the arena, fight to share our stories, values and the success of hunting as a sustainable tool for wildlife success and conservation.  In this episode:  - Winning the minds of non-hunters - Don't call them animal rights activists  - Consumptive and non-consumptive users have the same goals.  How to engage and participate as a hunter-advocate - go to HOWL for Wildlife Looking for an amazing cabin to explore, relax and have fun in the Sierra Nevada... check out "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland".  Want to support hunting rights in Colorado in 2024... donate to Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt.    #trophyhunting #hunting #conservation #colorado #deerhunting #bearhunting #mountainlion #animalrights #wildlife #howlforwildlife   
• 
  Ep 41: Vantage Point Archery, talking advocacy, single bevels + a new handgun accessory 15.12.2023 1t 32min

  The team over at Vantage Point Archery reached out to talk shop and we went down all the rabbit holes. Listen along as we discuss the importance of advocacy, HOWL for Wildlife, archery and of course their lineup of premium American made broadheads.  Are you a hand-gunner? You'll want to learn about the new compensator from Vantage Point Armory!!  Click through, comment, follow and engage!  Vantage Point Archery - IG Vantage Point Archery - online HOWL for Wildlife - your fast & effective hunter advocacy portal  Camp Leland - D6 Zone Adventure Cabin 2 Dog Lodge - Camp Connell, D5 Zone  Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Mgmt  #archery #vantagepoint #americanmade #hunting #bowhunting #howlforwildlife #conservation #deerhunting #bearhunting #muledeer #2A #handgun #broadheads
• 
  Ep 40: California mule deer hunt / last week + alpine zone + winter weather = mental grind. 05.11.2023 1t 21min

  Calif. end of season mule deer hunting... chasing the buck after a cold and snowy fall storm, hoping to catch them on the way towards their migration routes. I talk about some of my winter gear setup, the mental break that I had and subsequent "quit" on the hunt. Some thoughts about staying in the game instead of giving myself an "out" from the grind of wind, snow and cold.  Let me know your thoughts @ Instagram "HuntingAintEasy"  #muledeer #californiahunting #backcountryhunting #nationalforest #deerhunting #muledeercountry #muledeerhunting #publiclandhunting  *** Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your perfect outpost for D6 zone hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing adventure and relaxation. Sleeps 2 to 4, plus offers garage access for vehicles, trailers and toys. https://camp_leland.staydirectly.com/ https://airbnb.com/h/camp-leland Howl For Wildlife – wildlife and conservation success are deeply intertwined with hunter rights and opportunities. As a community we must advocate for our interests. HOWL together to send messages supporting hunting and balanced wildlife management to the right stakeholders so that we can protect the lifestyle and the wildlife that we love to see on the landscape. https://www.howlforwildlife.org 2 Dog Lodge – Camp Connell @ 5000’ – Our cabin in the woods off HWY 4 is the best family-friendly and dog-functional cabin you’ll find. With sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests (including the sofa bed), easy access, year-round plow service and a fenced yard this cabin in the woods is relaxing, fun and located close to 4-seasons full of mountain adventures.    https://airbnb.com/h/2doglodge https://2doglodge.staydirectly.com/
• 
  Ep 39 2023 Calif. Mule Deer Hunt Part 2 14.10.2023 1t 36min

  Apologies for the scratchy sound!!  In Part 2 I talk through hunt days 4 through 7, with a lot of focus on a doe that I watched for nearly 9 hours and then the 7+ hour spot and stalk on a mature buck high up in an alpine basin. Everything came together in textbook style.  This hunt validated so many lessons from master muley hunters, it was incredible to experience and replay - and this hunt will form the basis for many future adventures I have new levels of confidence in the skills and tactics that helped it yield success.  Please visit the sponsors below :)  ** Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your perfect outpost for D6 zone hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing adventure and relaxation. Sleeps 2 to 4, plus offers garage access for vehicles, trailers and toys. https://camp_leland.staydirectly.com/ https://airbnb.com/h/camp-leland Howl For Wildlife – wildlife and conservation success are deeply intertwined with hunter rights and opportunities. As a community we must advocate for our interests. HOWL together to send messages supporting hunting and balanced wildlife management to the right stakeholders so that we can protect the lifestyle and the wildlife that we love to see on the landscape. https://www.howlforwildlife.org 2 Dog Lodge – Camp Connell @ 5000’ – Our cabin in the woods off HWY 4 is the best family-friendly and dog-functional cabin you’ll find. With sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests (including the sofa bed), easy access, year-round plow service and a fenced yard this cabin in the woods is relaxing, fun and located close to 4-seasons full of mountain adventures.    https://airbnb.com/h/2doglodge https://2doglodge.staydirectly.com/