Conservation Unfiltered

On this episode, Jason talks with Bryan Burhans of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bryan is the Executive Director and this is our annual episode discussing the past year, along with the upcoming year. Topics discussed during the episode include the 2023 Bear and Deer seasons, changes to expect in 2024, and how the process of proposed changes work.

In this episode, Jason talks with Sara Mueller of the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Sara is the Executive Director of the WLA where she leads the administration and organizational growth and development for the organization. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with her B.S., Master’s degree, and Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

During the conversation, Sara discusses the mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy, the benefit of the summer field schools, and how you can participate. She rounds out the conversation detailing the Ambassador Outreach Program, DEI initiatives, and what's next for WLA.

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Ellen Candler. Ellen received her PhD in Conservation Science-Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Minnesota and is currently a postdoctoral researcher. She grew up in Idaho camping, hiking, rafting, hunting, and fishing, which led to a love of the outdoors. During the conversation, Dr. Candler lets us in on a unique project she is running: the Offal Wildlife Watching Project. She talks about the origin of the project, some of the animals and behaviors noticed, and how a hunter impacts wildlife after a successful hunt. The episode ends with how you can help the project by participating in citizen science!

In this episode, Jason talks with Randy Ferguson about the good will of hunters in PA. Randy is the Executive Director of Hunters Sharing the Harvest and previously worked as the Volunteer coordinator for Crawford and Mercer counties. During the conversation, Randy tells us about the mission of HSH, how this all got started, and how the process works for both hunters and deer processers. He also details who benefits from the program, shares how successful the program has been in recent years, and how you can get involved with donations of deer or money.

On this episode, Jason talks with Bob Frye of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Bob is formerly the outdoor columnist for the Tribune Review and currently the Associate Editor of the PA Game News. During the conversation, Bob details how he started his writing career, gives advice on how to become an outdoor writer, and shares tips for how to hone your writing skills. He also dives into some of his favorite stories from his career.

In this episode, Jason talks with Chris Beichner. Chris graduated from Clarion University and is the President and CEO of Allegheny Land Trust. His tenure has witnessed the creation of ATL's Community Conservation strategic focus, which includes conserving land in the City of Pittsburgh. During the conversation, Chris fills us in on the Mission of Allegheny Land Trust, general conservation benefits of setting aside land, and how the process works. He also details why partnerships are such a critical need, why they've partnered with GROW Pittsburgh, and how you can get involved.

In this episode, Jason talks with Terry Bryant and JD Walker of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Terry is the Chairman of the Board and long time supporter of KECA. JD is the newly hired President of KECA who also has long ties to the organization. Topics in this episode include what KECA has accomplished over the years, why JD is such a good fit, and plans moving forward. You'll also hear conversations about the live stream that happened at Elk Expo 2023.

In this episode, Jason talks with Brandi Hanes, Morgan Lovenduski, and Ben Porkolab of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Brandi is the Visitor Center Supervisor, Morgan is Director of Marketing and Communications, and Ben is the Conservation Education Coordinator respectively. During the episode, They each fill us in on all that Elk Expo 2023 has to offer. Held this year on July 29th and 30th in Benezette, PA, Elk Expo will provide seminars, entertainment, food, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Listen in to find what you will love about the Elk Expo and start planning your trip now!

In case you can't make it, be sure to check out the Conservation Unfiltered Facebook group and YouTube channel for a live stream. Happening on Saturday, July 29th from 9:00-5:00.

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Dillingham of the American Littoral Society. Tim is a biologist by training, former Director of the Sierra Club in New Jersey, and current Executive Director of ALS-an organization Protecting the Coast through Education, Conservation, and Advocacy. During the conversation, Tim highlights the mission of ALS, details the biggest impacts on coastlines, and how ALS uses education to help reduce erosion. He also talks about restoration projects, how natural materials are being used, and why those natural materials have benefits far beyond just one project.

In this episode, Jason talks with Diana and John Ingles. Together, they are co-founders of a lifestyle brand called Wild Routed. Wild Routed is a family owned company producing unique products like stickers, shirts printed with algae ink, and hat patches, key fob holders, and key chains made with a plant-based leather alternative called MIRUM. During the conversation, Diana and John provide tips for planning and packing, recap their National Park tour, and give insight on which National Parks are hidden gems. They also provide insight on how and why their company gives back to our National Parks and Forests.

In this episode, Jason talks with Steve Demarais of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab. Steve is the Co-Director of MSU Deer Lab, Taylor Chair in applied big game research, a lifetime hunter, and spent the past 40 years in the research field (in Texas and MSU) as a deer biologist. During the conversation, he fills us in on the purpose of the MSU Deer Lab, why GPS tracking is such a valuable tool, and how a GPS study works. Topics also discussed include what these studies have taught us, myths that have been debunked, and how GPS tracking is changing how we think about the spread of CWD. Of course, a large portion of the episode revolves around Buck 140, who swam across the Mississippi River multiple times while wearing a GPS collar.

In this episode, Jason talks with tick and Lyme disease prevention specialist, Brian Anderson. Brian, known as the Tick Terminator, works as a consultant & conference speaker. He helps outdoor workers and outdoor enthusiasts learn about ticks and disease prevention. During the conversation, Brian details the life cycle of ticks, habitat ticks prefer, and why ticks seem to be so prevalent now. He also details a few tick borne diseases, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do if you do find a tick on you. Brian ends the episode with a self written Tick Poem.

In this episode, Jason talks with Tim Schaeffer about trout stocking. Time is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, an agency whose mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. During the conversation, Tim fills us in on when Trout season starts (SPOLER: it's April 1st!), why the agency stocks Trout, and who and wen stocking occurs. He also goes into detail about how the hatcheries work and warm water fisheries in the state. The episode wraps up with an important reminder about life jackets and water safety.

In this episode, Jason talks with Dr. Patricia Demarco. Patty received a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, She has spent a fifty -year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions. She served as Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association (2006-2011) and as Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University where she holds an appointment as Senior Scholar and Adjunct Faculty.(2011-present) She sits on the Board of Trustees for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and for The Allegheny Land Trust. Author: Pathways to Our Sustainable Future – A Global Perspective from Pittsburgh & In the Footsteps of Rachel Carson: Harnessing earth’s healing power

During the conversation, Patty gives us an idea of what Rachel’s early years were like, who and what had the biggest impact on her interests, and how she developed her environmental ethic. The discussion also includes how Rachel’s legacy has persisted, why her words still carry weight today, and how ecologists and conservationist can help move the needle forward on living with the natural world.

In this episode, Jason talks with Whit Fosburgh about sagebrush habitat. Whit is the President and CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, an organization working to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP unites and amplifies their partners’ voices to advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access. During the conversation, Whit shares the work TRCP has done over the past 20 years, what the biggest legislative wins were for 2022, and where the Recovering America's Wildlife Act currently stands. The meat of the episode includes his thoughts on the importance of sagebrush habitat, what threats are looming, and things being done to conserve the ecosystem in the west. The conversation wraps up with Whit's outlook on the impact the North American Grasslands Conservation Act could have.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Natalie Cypher about urban pheasants living in Detroit. Natalie is an educator with the Michigan DNR working as a Park Interpreter at the Outdoor Adventure Center. In her position, she teaches about Michigan's natural resources, including the Detroit River, Great Lakes science, and birding. Listen in as Natalie explains the Outdoor Adventure Center's role, mission, and educational opportunities. She also recaps how a local population of pheasants became heroes in Detroit, why the birds are able to thrive in an urban environment, and the importance of having grassland habitat in an urban setting.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Thomas Keller of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Tom is a Furbearer Biologist for the PGC and joins us to discuss the proposal to reintroduce the American Marten to Pennsylvania. During the discussion, Tom details how wildlife has historically been lost in Pennsylvania, how certain species are selected to be reintroduced, and how a feasibility study helps determine eligible species. In regards to the American Marten, Tom provides details on how the reintroduction proposal will work, why the PGC feels this reintroduction will be a success, and the impact American Martens will have on other wildlife. An in-depth discussion takes place on the diet of the American Marten, dispelling some common misinformation being spread on social media, and how the proposal will move forward-including how the public can get involved and learn more.

Questions about the plan can be emailed to PAmarten@pa.gov

In today's episode, Jason talks with Kevin Singleton of Yearning Wild. Kevin grew up hunting and fishing in Southern New York State,  worked as a teenager in boat yard on the Hudson River, and is now the owner of a 2% certified business that focuses on healthy dog treats and chews. During the conversation, Kevin dishes on what it was like to work in a boat yard, his thoughts on mentored youth hunting, and why he focuses an outdoor lifestyle for his family. He also fills us in on his business, why he's giving back to conservation, and what it means to be 2% certified.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with returning guest Bryan Burhans. Bryan is the Executive Director the Pennsylvania Game Commission and he brings news for the new year. Topics include why RAWA is such an important bill for state agencies, how Ruffed Grouse are doing in the state, how the PGC made a weather issue right, and updates on CWD. Bryan also provides updates on the Antlerless license change, insight into the revamped bear seasons, and why PA is in dire need of more Hunter-Trapper Education instructors. Stay tuned until the end for a special announcement on a new PGC program!

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Paula Piatt. Paula is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, a position she has held since 2018. She is also a freelance writer with over 40 years of journalism experience and an avid outdoors enthusiast  who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and conservation. During the discussion, Paula shares how she got into Journalism, the mission of POWA, and who is eligible to become a member. She also fills us in on why it's important to focus on non-consumptive users and the general public as well as how POWA is adjusting to new media.

In today's episode, Jason talks with Greg Traynor, owner of Accessible Hunter on Facebook and Instagram. Greg is a 55 year old lifelong PA resident and hunter who had a diving accident in 1999. This accident left Greg paralyzed as a c4/c5 quadriplegic. During the conversation, Greg details his life before his accident, how the accident happened, and how it changed his life. He also fills us in on how he was able to get back into hunting, challenges of hunting as a quadriplegic, and why he started the Accessible Hunter social media presence.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Bowen Blair about the legacy of Nancy Russell. Bowen is an attorney who has made a career helping various conservation movements. He is also the former Director of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, former 21 year Senior VP of a public land trust (which ran a National Land Acquisition conservation program, and a friend of Nancy Russell. During the conversation, Bowen tells the history of the Columbia Gorge, it's importance to the region's ecosystem, and why it was so important to protect it. He will also share how he is using his new book to tell the world about his dear friend Nancy; a tenacious, motivating force, who went from house wife to conservation hero during her fight to save the Columbia Gorge.

To purchase Bowen's book "A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell's Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge", visit:

In this week's episode, Jason is joined by Richard Joyce to talk fireflies. Richard grew up in the mountains of Costa Rica, went to college in Maine, and then worked for various conservation agencies and organizations before landing at his current position at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. He has inventoried species of native bees in the dry forests of Nicaragua, collected data on aquatic habitat connectivity for brook trout and other freshwater species in Maine, and participated in lots of community science projects dedicated to understanding and tracking biodiversity. During the conversation, Richard fills us in on what makes fireflies so special, why they are a canary in a coal mine, and just how many species of fireflies there are in the U.S. He also details the behavior display, suitable habitat, and how YOU can help fireflies with some easy to do work.

In today's episode, Jason is joined by Leland Brown and Chris Parish, co-founders of the North American Non-Lead Partnership. Leland is a lifelong outdoorsman and the Non-led hunting education program manager for the Oregon Zoo. Chris is a lifelong hunter, conservation biologist, and President of the Peregrine Fund. During the episode, Leland and Chris tell us about the mission and goals of the North American Non-Lead Partnership, how it got started, and why education is such a big part of what they are trying to do. They also discuss why lead is so toxic to raptors, how (and why) hunters can help, and why a lead ammunition ban isn't the goal of the organization.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Dr. Doug Tallamy. Doug is an Entomologist, Professor at the University of Delaware, and author. His works can be found in 'Brining Nature Home,' 'Nature's Best Hope,' and 'The Nature of Oaks' as well as multiple courses taught over his 41 year academic career. During the conversation, Doug fills us in on the grassroots movement of Homegrown National Park, why biodiversity is important to humans, and what the average person can do to prevent biodiversity loss. He will also share the importance of what he calls Keystone Native Species, why private landowners are a key cog in the biodiversity wheel, and the importance of "getting yourself on the Map."

In this week's episode, Jason talks with John Jurko II. John is a filmmaker, podcaster, and lover of books, nature, and adventure. John grew up in rural northeast Ohio in the village of Yankee Lake, and from a young age was immersed in nature. After studying film at university he spent 2 years living in Los Angeles working in the camera department on indie films, he produced and directed corporate videos for big brands in Atlanta, Georgia, and since 2018 he has been the lead producer and director of the film Rhino Man — a feature-length documentary about the South African field rangers who risk their lives to protect the rhinos from being poached to extinction. During the conversation, John fills us in on why rhinos need protection, who and how locals become Park Rangers, and how everyday people can help. He will also tell a story about a special Park Ranger, Anton, who dedicated, and gave, his life protecting these animals.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Seth Mesoras. Seth is a Game Warden and the Information and Education Supervisor in the Southwest region for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A big portion of his job revolves around the Hunter-Trapper Education courses offered by the PGC. During the episode, Seth fills us in on how the HTE courses work, why and how hunters need to pass the certification course, and how HTE is funded. Also covered is how to become an HTE instructor, why more volunteers are needed, and some new initiatives from the PGC.

In this special episode, Jason talks with Jeremy Banfield at Elk Expo 2022. Jeremy is the Elk Biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, where he has held that position since 2013. During the conversation, Jeremy fills us in on the current state of elk in PA, how tag allocations work, and where you can find elk in the PA Wilds. He also fills us in on how to be Elk Smart when interacting with these wild animals, his career goals for the elk herd, and some common misconceptions around how elk are managed.

In this special episode, Jason is LIVE from the Elk Expo 2022. Listen in to hear from select vendors about what the Elk Expo has to offer. From live entertainment to food and from artistically made products to educational seminars, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

Elk Expo runs: Saturday, August 20th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm & Sunday, August 21st from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the KECA Visitors Center

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Josiah Jones, Russell Wheeler, and Brandi Hanes of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. During the episode, they fill us in on what the Elk Expo is, how it helps elk and KECA, and what is going to be going on at the Elk Expo. Talking points during the conversation include vendors, seminars, and the immersive experience for the entire family.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Don Rank of the PA chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Don has been a board member of the PA chapter of BHA for 5 years and became the Chairman in January 2022. During the episode, Don lets us in on the mission of BHA, national level issues of concern, and state level issues of concern. If you've heard of BHA, you know much of the conversation will focus on access and Sunday hunting in PA. Don also talks about BHA's position on redesignating the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area into a National Park.

In this week's episode, Emily Burns returns to give us an update on the Border Wall. Emily is the Program Director for the Sky Island Alliance and has over 15 years experience helping wildlife. During Jason's conversation with Emily, she fills us in on the current state of construction on the border wall, the impact to wildlife they have documented, and a new wall being started in Texas. Emily also fills us in on how the newly built wall sections have held up over the past 2 years and why EVERYONE needs to watch the new documentary short, American Scar.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Dr. Krysten Schuler about the impact of lead toxicity in eagles and other scavenging birds. Dr. Schuler is the Co-Director of the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab and former Pennsylvania native. During the conversation, we will learn how scavenging birds are exposed to lead, side effects of lead poisoning, and if lead toxicity is causing a population wide impact. Dr. Schuler will also detail ways to reduce our contribution to lead poisoning and why hunting with lead has been banned before.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Tommy Serafinski about managing human/wildlife interactions. This discussion is based on the differences between the process in the United States with the process in Ireland. Tommy is outdoorsman, podcaster, blogger and YouTube creator. During the talk, Tommy helps us to understand our current relationship with nature, the process of managing wildlife in Ireland & how it differs from the US, and the ethics of hunting/angling.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Tamar Haspel about her new experiences in trying to live eco-friendly. Tamar is a columnist for the Washington Post and author of a new book, To Boldly Grow: Finding Joy, Adventure, and Dinner in Your Own Backyard. During the conversation, she will detail her experiences in trying to live and eat a more eco-friendly lifestyle. This includes trying to grow a garden, hunting, and the joys and frustrations each provide.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Phil Shellhammer about cultivating businesses in the outdoor industry. Phil is currently the Director of Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP). Previously, he was a mechanical engineer with an MBA and had a  20 year corporate career that focused mainly in Merchandising and Strategy roles within retail. During the conversation, Phil tells us what GORP is, why an outdoor focused incubator is necessary, what Bentonville, Arkansas has to offer the outdoor industry, and what the future of GORP looks like.

In this week's episode, Jason talks with Margaret Young about the ancient practice of Falconry. Margaret was born and raised southeastern PA and currently lives in Berks County. She has been a licensed falconer for 7 years and has experience working with birds of prey since 2013-formerly a volunteer at her local Audubon chapter. She has owned her team of ambassador raptors since 2019 and presents educational workshops for children and adults. During the conversation, Margaret defines Falconry and provides a brief history of the practice. She will also fill us in on how to become a Falconer-how to get a bird of your own, training, and Falconry seasons in Pennsylvania.