This week we are joined by Dan Gates. Dan has been very active in a battle similar to ours here in Michigan now with proposal G, but in Colorado. Being part of the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (https://savethehuntcolorado.com/), Dan has some great insights on what they are doing in their battle, but also what others can and NEED to do in their states. As we discuss in the episode this is not a state specific issue, but a country wide issue in how our natural resources and wildlife are managed. The importance of using responsible science vs emotion. We talk about how as sportspersons we have an issue with "head in the sand" " I don't hunt x, so it doesn't effect me", well we are here to tell you that it most certainly WILL effect you. Dan gives out a lot of info on how the battle is being fought, who is involved, how long this battle has been going on and then some insight for others in how to get in on it, from fundraising (very important due to the amount of time involved for the people fighting) to coalitions (getting groups to join together for a common cause) down to even the type of tax statuses of organizations and how that can effect what they can and cannot do. We talk a lot about how one of the key tools we have is public education and involvement, specifically in regards to non hunters. How the opposition is using that, and what we need to do to counter it. We talk a bit about how proven the north American model has been to help sustain healthy wildlife and some of the pitfalls of not properly managing them. Dan tells us how, if each of us even spent 8 hours a year helping, we would be an unstoppable force. Please take a listen, use this as another example of why we need to join together and act, because guaranteed, the opposition is busy, and we need to do better for our future and the future of our way of life. As always, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. Predator Thermal Optics code "ptothermal" for 10% off all Predator Thermal Optics brand Scopes and Monoculars www.predatorhunteroutdoors.com code: tripod for 10% off tripods and mounts code: light for 20% off lighting products Predator Hunter Outdoors www.huntwise.com code: OVERDRIVE20 for 20% off an annual membership HuntWise Maniac Outdoors- Code OD15 for 15% off scent fuel products ORC Archery ATN Prym1 HuxWrx
