Through the Gates

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
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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?

Colorado may be on the verge of making history.
In Episode 102 of Through the Gates, Dan Gates joins renowned public lands advocate Randy Newberg to discuss Colorado's push for a Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish. After years of fighting ballot initiatives, legislative attacks, controversial wildlife commission appointments, wolf reintroduction, fur bans, and Proposition 127, conservation advocates are now shifting from defense to offense.
Dan and Randy break down Initiative 302, the signature-gathering effort that could make Colorado the 25th state in America to constitutionally protect hunting, fishing, and science-based wildlife management. They explain why this effort matters not just for Colorado, but for hunters, anglers, conservationists, and wildlife managers across the country. The conversation covers the future of wildlife policy, ballot-box biology, sportsmen's advocacy, fundraising, coalition building, and what it will take to protect hunting opportunities for future generations.
Whether you're a Colorado resident, a nonresident hunter, or simply someone who supports the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, this episode provides an inside look at one of the most important conservation battles happening today.

In this episode of Through the Gates, we're doin a joint released episode with Cliff Gray of "Pursuit with Cliff" to break down Colorado’s proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish initiative and why many hunters, anglers, outfitters, ranchers, and conservationists believe it could become one of the most important wildlife policy battles in the country.
They discuss:
Initiative 302 and the proposed constitutional amendment
The future of hunting and fishing rights in Colorado
“Ballot box biology” and anti-hunting activism
The role of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission
Mountain lion hunting bans, fur bans, wolf politics, and predator management
Science-based wildlife management vs emotional policymaking
How commissions and political appointments impact conservation
Why sportsmen and women are mobilizing across Colorado
Dan also explains how organizations like the International Order of T. Roosevelt and SCI Colorado are working to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and preserve hunting opportunities for future generations.
If you care about hunting rights, wildlife conservation, elk hunting, predator management, public lands, or the future of science-based wildlife policy, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.