Through the Gates

Colorado's wildlife management is at a crossroads.
In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down one of the most consequential Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings in recent memory and explains why sportsmen, anglers, conservationists, landowners, and anyone who values science-based wildlife management should be paying attention.
From controversial furbearer bag limit decisions to growing concerns about politics overriding wildlife science, this episode explains what happened during the July Commission meeting, why those decisions matter, and how they connect to Colorado's proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish (Initiative 302).
Dan discusses:
• The recent CPW Commission decisions on furbearer regulations
• Why science-based wildlife management is under increasing pressure
• The role of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
• Why the constitutional amendment does not remove management authority from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• The dangers of ballot-box biology
• Why hunters and anglers need to become more engaged before future wildlife decisions are made
Whether you're a hunter, angler, wildlife professional, or simply someone who believes wildlife should be managed using science instead of emotion or politics, this conversation provides important context for the future of conservation in Colorado.
If you enjoy the podcast, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread the message.

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

For decades, outdoor television has focused on the hunt. Jason Matzinger has spent his career telling the story behind it.
In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with the creator of Into High Country and one of conservation's most respected filmmakers to explore why hunting is about far more than the harvest. Jason explains how storytelling can bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters by showcasing the science, stewardship, and wildlife conservation that make the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation the most successful conservation system in the world.
From his groundbreaking documentaries with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Boone & Crockett Club to his upcoming documentary on grizzly bear recovery, Jason shares why he believes conservation—not trophies—should always be the hero of the story.
We discuss:
• Why modern hunting media often misses the bigger conservation message
• How film can reach audiences outside the hunting community
• The truth about "trophy hunting" and selective wildlife management
• The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
• Why grizzly bears should be managed through science—not politics
• The role hunters play in funding wildlife conservation
• The future of conservation storytelling
If you've ever wondered how hunting became North America's greatest conservation success story—or how we can better communicate that story to the public—this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Subscribe for more conversations protecting hunting, fishing, wildlife management, and the future of 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

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 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

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.