Category: Blog
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Seal Cull in Ireland
This is something I would like to share with you after recently attending the SeaMonitor-STRAITS conference. I’m predicting that in the coming months, or years perhaps, we’ll see a sanctioned seal cull in Ireland. Mark my words! The listeners who have been with me for some time might remember that a few years ago I talked with a trawlerman who was arguing that the seal population needs to be reduced. His argument revolved around the impacts that seal presence had…
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SeaMonitor-STRAITS Conference
Regular listeners might remember that two years ago I published a series of episodes about the SeaMonitor project and related research. So it was my great pleasure to accept an invitation to the two-day long SeaMonitor-STRAITS Conference, which marked the close of the SeaMonitor project and the launch of the STRAITS project. The speaker list included the cream of the crop of marine scientists, policymakers and representatives from governmental agencies. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with…
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The NARGC Seminar on The Open Seasons Order and Sustainable Hunting
When I received the invitation to attend the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) seminar on the Open Seasons Order and Sustainable Hunting, I accepted without hesitation. The seminar featured an outstanding lineup of guests and speakers from Ireland and mainland Europe. The timing of the seminar was not coincidental. Ireland is obligated to comply with the European Union’s Birds Directive, and the latest data on the number of species under conservation threat suggests that some species may be…
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How do you feel when you squeeze the trigger?
On several occasions, I have been asked by non-hunters how I feel when I squeeze the trigger. Obviously, this question is meant to ascertain how I feel about taking an animal’s life. When I get these questions I often refer back to the very first animal I harvested. A female feral goat that I shot on a rugged and hilly piece of land. I go back to this moment for two reasons. First, like for everyone else, my very first…
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The Demise and Recovery of The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is one of the iconic species of big game fish. It is a large-bodied fast swimming fish that feeds on small fish and invertebrates. It can grow up to 1500lb (800kg) although some official bodies like the Smithsonian or the U. S. National Marine Fisheries Service estimate that the fish can reach a weight of over 2000lb. When swimming it can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. There are three recognised subspecies: Atlantic bluefin tuna, Pacific bluefin…
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Cries of the Savanna by Sue Tidwell – A Book Review
Hunting in Africa is a controversial subject that I have discussed with expert guests a few times on my podcast. I also follow related social media discussions. Unfortunately, I get the impression (confirmed on many occasions) that people taking part in these discussions have very limited, or purely theoretical, experience. This often leads to ridiculous statements and ill-informed opinions. In contrast, in Cries of the Savanna, Sue Tidwell describes her own experiences and conflicting emotions related to hunting in Africa.…
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Wildwoods by Richard Nairn – A Book Review
The subject of Irish native woodlands has come up on the podcast more than once. For instance, I devoted an entire episode to this subject in 2018. Being born and raised in a country with much more tree cover than Ireland, broadleaf woodlands are one of the features of the natural landscape that I miss the most. Early this year, after visiting a few local patches of remaining native woods I decided to read and learn more about Irish woodlands.…
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The Wizard and the Prophet by Charles C. Mann – A Book Review
I’m not exactly sure who recommended this book to me but I think it was one of my followers on social media. As always in such cases, I bookmarked it for later. After a few months I finally, and I must admit reluctantly, decided to give it a try. And boy, did I not regret it! So I’m writing this short review to return the favour and recommend it to you. Given the topic of my podcast I am often…
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The Implausible Rewilding of the Pyrenees by Steve Cracknell – A Book Review
I have followed Steve Cracknell’s work for some time and so, as soon as I learned that he was going to publish a new book, I began to wait for the release date. Without exaggeration, I can say that for me it was the most anticipated book of the year. And when I finally got it in my hands, it not only lived up to but exceeded my expectations! (I obviously couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk with Steve…
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Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee
For the past four years, I’ve been providing you with recorded conversations about wildlife and the natural environment. My guests range from the world’s top scientists, members of environmental organizations and award-winning authors, to hunters and anglers with a lifetime of experience. We often discuss difficult and unpopular topics. This is all in the name of sharing ideas and understanding different points of view on critical environmental issues. For all of you who want to support Tommy’s Outdoors podcast and…