The Wild Initiative

Jamey Shirah of the Hunter Recruitment Project joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about ways to increase the new hunting populations. In this episode, they discuss crazy turkey hunters, best practices for introducing novice hunters to the beautiful hobby, charging grizzly stories and prepping tips to make wild game that much better.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/206.

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Captain Zachariah Rollins, host of Along the Keel, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to dive deep into his world of offshore fishing and the captivating life of a captain. With a family history rooted in generations of sou’wester-wearing longliners off the Rhode Island coast, Zach's journey into the realm of fishing commenced at the tender age of 10. In this episode, Zach and Sam navigate through the captivating waters of different saltwater fishing styles, unearthing Zach's voyage to becoming a captain, and delving into the crucial thread of preserving fishing and hunting resources, a legacy tracing back to Teddy Roosevelt, the pioneering architect of modern conservation.

Amid their engaging discourse, Zach and Sam lead a voyage through superstitions that steer clear of bananas and whistle-free boats. As the conversation meanders, the duo reminisces about everything from Zach's formative years as a fisherman, encountering colossal 20-foot manta rays in Hawaiian waters, to the unique tapestry of creating his acclaimed podcast, “Along the Keel.”

The captivating tale unfolds as Captain Zachariah Rollins shares his enchanting encounters with whales and dolphins, interlaced with reflections on leadership, embarking on outdoor escapades, and persistently pursuing passions. Anchored within their dialogue is a profound appreciation for the maritime world, a sentiment carried by their shared understanding that the ocean’s power can be harnessed to shape lives and impact communities.

In a world brimming with challenges and opportunities, Zach's narrative unveils the relentless spirit that has guided him. With each narrative arc, he illuminates the threads that interweave his journey, inviting listeners to join the crew in savoring the grandeur of the oceans, the allure of the outdoors, and the enduring camaraderie found on land and sea alike.

If you're yearning to explore the open waters, resonate with the legacy of hunters and anglers, and bask in the wisdom of a seasoned captain, this episode is your compass to traverse a world where the horizon stretches as far as the heart's desire.

Guest Info

Zach Rollins

• @captain_zachariah_rollins
• facebook.com/zachariah.rollins.7

Along the Keel

• alongthekeel.com
• @alongthekeel
• facebook.com/alongthekeel
• youtube.com/@alongthekeel
• tiktok.com/@alongthekeel
• alongthekeel.com/pages/contact

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Lilian Mremi, a native and game scout of The Rungwa Game Reserve, Tanzania, Africa, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to provide a unique perspective as a professional African game scout. She shares how her journey into this role began, inspired by her uncle's occupation as a wildlife commander. In this podcast, Lilian and Sam discuss the misconceptions surrounding hunting in Africa, shedding light on the closely regulated nature of these hunts, overseen by biologists and researchers with rules and quotas. Lilian emphasizes how hunting, when managed properly, benefits both wildlife and local communities in Africa, countering notions of overpopulation leading to habitat destruction and crop and livestock damage. "If there is overpopulation, there becomes a lack of food and in turn destruction to the habitat as well as the community crops and livestock."

Lilian delves into the creative methods employed by local communities to deter animals from encroaching on human settlements, including strategies like hanging dried chili and using beehives. These techniques not only prevent conflict but also offer additional benefits, such as honey harvesting. She highlights the reduction of poaching in Africa and the efforts to renew elephant populations through regulated hunting, emphasizing that this practice contributes positively to both wildlife and local communities.

Hunting outfitters, contrary to misconceptions, greatly assist local communities by providing essential resources such as schools, roads, water, and employment. Lilian encourages those unfamiliar with African hunting practices to come and witness the process firsthand, inviting listeners to view the impact and benefits of hunting in Africa for themselves. "I encourage people to come and view the process for themselves." She concludes with a heartwarming lesson in Swahili, "Asante Sana," expressing gratitude and underscoring the importance of understanding different perspectives.

Understanding the multifaceted perspective presented by Lilian sheds light on the intricate relationship between hunting, conservation, and community support in Africa, dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions while fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's unique approach to wildlife management.

Guest Info

Lilian Mremi

• @lilymremi
• facebook.com/lilian.mremi
• tiktok.com/@missielili

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Sue Tidwell, author of Cries of the Savanna, embarks on a riveting journey with Sam on The Wild Initiative to share her profound love for hunting and conservation in the heart of Africa. Sue's story unfolds against the backdrop of a childhood in a hunting family, but her personal hunting adventures didn't kick off until she met her husband in the untamed wilderness of Alaska.

Yet, it was a trip to Tanzania, Africa, driven by her husband's dream, where Sue's perspective on hunting underwent a transformative shift. Initially resistant to targeting specific African species, Sue's real-life encounter with Africa and its unique hunting landscape profoundly changed her outlook. In this episode, she passionately articulates why hunting and trophy fees play a pivotal role in supporting African communities and conservation efforts.

As Sue guides us through her adventure, we are introduced to the remarkable individuals she encounters, including a 23-year-old female game scout, Lilian Mremi. These encounters provide invaluable lessons and forge deep connections that underscore the interconnectedness of hunting, conservation, and the people of Africa.

The discussion delves into the heart of Sue's book, Cries of the Savanna, a work that masterfully blends engaging stories with compelling facts to emphasize the pivotal role of well-managed hunting in preserving habitats and wildlife. Sue passionately underscores the need for an emotional connection to convey the importance of hunting in conservation. Cries of the Savanna encapsulates this emotional journey, inviting readers to fall in love with Africa and become advocates for its unique hunting heritage.

The episode's narrative continues with the challenges of hunting in Africa, including quests for buffalo, zebra, and guinea fowl, including a thrilling narrative about her husband's Cape Buffalo "Dagga Boy" hunt. Sue offers vivid insights into the tactics and nuances of African hunting, illustrating the thrill and difficulty of tracking elusive game across the savanna. Sue also touches on the cost of hunting in Africa, providing valuable perspectives on budgeting and the temptation to pursue additional game once on the continent. She shares experiences of forming deep bonds with locals, encountering venomous snakes, and the importance of secure, zippered tents to keep out unwelcome wildlife.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Sue highlights the multifaceted benefits of hunting camps in Tanzania, where jobs are created, wildlife is protected, and poaching is deterred. These camps play a pivotal role in fostering coexistence between communities and wildlife, ultimately safeguarding precious habitats.

Throughout the episode, Sue underscores the importance of understanding the significance of hunting in Africa. She emphasizes the need to respect local rules and regulations and the scarcity of meat in the daily diets of African communities. Sue's account of her African experiences provides a profound contrast to the convenience of obtaining meat in North America. As Sue aptly puts it, "No meat goes to waste in Africa."

In this episode, Sue's compelling narrative paints a vivid picture of Africa's wild heart, the essential role of hunting in its conservation, and the profound connection between people and the land. Join us on this remarkable journey and discover why Cries of the Savanna is a must-read for anyone curious about the wild world of hunting and conservation in Africa.

Guest Info

Sue Tidwell

• suetidwell.com
• @suetidwell.writer
• facebook.com/sue.tidwellcoyle
• [email protected]

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Charles Spiegel, co-owner and co-host of Target Rich Environment TV, Helihunter, and Three Curl Outfitters, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to delve into the world of feral hogs, their origin, and the imperative need to control their population. Charles provides insights into the rise of these non-native hogs in Texas, from their domestication to their transition into the wild, revealing how the constant population increase and the ensuing havoc on farms and ranches led them to become the world's largest hog-hunting outfitter in the state. With a resolute declaration, he states, “We got started out of necessity, not necessarily a business.”

This episode uncovers the adaptability, intelligence, and astonishing reproductive speed of feral hogs, underscoring the looming threat they pose in terms of disease and parasites. Charles dissects their negative impact on native habitats and wildlife, where the pigs' voracious appetites and aggressive behavior wreak havoc on ecosystems. The conversation takes a thrilling turn as Charles guides Sam through a helicopter hunting experience, painting vivid images of Led Zeppelin blasting in the background and pigs being dispatched from the helicopter's vantage point.

As the discussion unravels, Charles unveils the dynamic world of hunting these creatures. The conversation touches on the intricate dynamics of eradicating 70% of the population to maintain equilibrium, the intricacies of heli-hunting, and the incorporation of military tactics and Led Zeppelin to maximize hunting efficiency. The popularity of hog hunting in Texas as both a business and recreational activity is revealed, with helicopters and thermal optics employed to cull these invasive creatures, making this episode an exhilarating peek into the high-speed world of aerial pig eradication.

Join Charles and the team on Target Rich Environment TV as they conquer the daunting task of curbing the hog population, all while weaving together the adventure and conservation narrative that encapsulates this captivating tale.

Guest Info

Charles Spiegel & Three Curl Outfitters

• threecurl.com
• @threecurlcharles
• facebook.com/charles.e.spiegel

Target Rich Environment TV

• targetrichtv.com
• @targetrichenvironment.tv
• facebook.com/targetrichenvironment
• youtube.com/@targetrichenvironmenttv8196
• targetrichtv.com/contact

Heli Hunter

• helihunter.com
• @heli_hunter
• facebook.com/HeliHunter
• [email protected]

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