Ep 244 - Sue Tidwell: Cries of the Savanna

08/03/22 • 63 min

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

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Info

Sue Tidwell

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Ep 243 - Dan Cabela: The Impacts of Hunting & Conservation

Dan Cabela, executive director of the Cabela Family Foundation, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to explore the profound connection between hunting and conservation. Growing up immersed in hunting and outdoor activities, Dan shares his journey from small game hunting to his passionate love for hunting in Africa. He delves into the critical role hunting plays in preserving wildlife and habitats, emphasizing the importance of maintaining lion habitat to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

Dan's experiences in the wild, from capturing black bears in Arkansas to collecting alligator eggs, underscore the impact of hunting on conservation. He highlights the Cabela Family Foundation's efforts to reintroduce lions to the Zambezi Delta in Mozambique, showcasing how hunting and conservation go hand in hand.

Through his engaging storytelling, Dan emphasizes the significance of hunting as a social and cultural activity that unites families across generations. He discusses the evolving narrative in hunting media, moving beyond kill shots to share the complete hunting experience, including the struggles and communal aspects.

Dan passionately advocates for the invaluable connection between hunting, conservation, and outdoor initiatives. He encourages listeners to get involved, join conservation organizations, and actively participate in local chapters to make a direct impact on wildlife preservation. Dan's dedication to preserving our natural heritage and fostering an understanding of hunting's vital role shines through in this insightful podcast episode. Don't miss his exciting upcoming TV series, "The Hard Truths of Conservation," set to debut on August 20th. Engage with this inspiring conversation, and discover the transformative power of hunting in conservation efforts.

Guest Info

Dan Cabela

Cabela Family Foundation

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next Episode

Ep 245 - Capt. Zachariah Rollins: Outdoors, Fishing, and “The Captain Life”

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.