Through the Gates

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.

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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
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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

CHAPTERS
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.
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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?